A subset of Alzheimer's cases may be caused by two copies of a single gene, new research shows
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
Scientists have long known a gene called APOE4 is one of many things that can increase people’s risk for Alzheimer’s, including simply getting older. The vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur after age 65. But research published Monday suggests that for people who carry not one but two copies of the gene, it’s more than a risk factor, it’s an underlying cause of the mind-robbing disease.
The findings mark a distinction with “profound implications,” said Dr. Juan Fortea, who led the study the Sant Pau Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.
Among them: Symptoms can begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer’s.
An estimated 15% of Alzheimer’s patients carry two copies of APOE4, meaning those cases “can be tracked back to a cause and the cause is in the genes,” Fortea said. Until now, genetic forms of Alzheimer’s were thought to be only types that strike at much younger ages and account for less than 1% of all cases.
Related articles
EU urges Israel to 'immediately' end military operation in Rafah
Israeli armored vehicles are deployed near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on May 9, 2024. [Photo/X2024-05-19China issues guidelines on region
BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- China has rolled out guidelines on a more region-specific approach to2024-05-19- MIAMI (AP) — Joey Meneses hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning and the Washington N2024-05-19
Outfielder Tommy Pham returns to major leagues with the MLB
CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder Tommy Pham is back in the major leagues, joining the MLB-worst Chicago Whi2024-05-19Not just an 'urban legend': The mile
A senior flight attendant has revealed that the mile-high club is more common than passengers might2024-05-19Emma Roberts has 'best day ever' going to Disneyland 'for the first time' with her son Rhodes
Emma Roberts had the 'best day ever' bringing her three-year-old son Rhodes Robert Hedlund (with ex-2024-05-19
atest comment