Scott Alexander critiques a study suggesting knowledge of ApoE4 gene status affects memory performance, arguing the results may be due to priming or stereotype threat rather than actual memory decline.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses a study by Lineweaver et al. that tested elderly adults for the ApoE4 gene, a risk factor for Alzheimer's. The study found that subjects who knew they had ApoE4 performed worse on memory tests than those who had it but didn't know. Scott critiques the study's methodology and interpretation, suggesting that the results might be due to priming effects or stereotype threat rather than actual memory decline. He expresses concern that the medical community might overinterpret these results and discourage genetic testing without sufficient evidence of harm.
Shorter summary