Imagine having a gene that nearly guarantees you'll develop Alzheimer's disease if you live long enough. 😧 That's what new research suggests about people carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene variant.
Scientists have found that individuals with this gene duo are not just at a higher risk—they're almost certain to face Alzheimer's, and earlier in life too. Talk about double trouble! 🧠💥
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that by age 65, at least 95% of people with two copies of APOE4, known as homozygotes, show abnormal levels of beta amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's, in their spinal fluid. Plus, 75% have positive brain scans for amyloid deposits.
\"Through these data we are saying that perhaps this is a genetic form of this disease, not merely a risk factor indication,\" said Sterling Johnson from the University of Wisconsin's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
The findings could redefine how we understand, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer's. About 2-3% of the population, or 15% of Alzheimer's patients, carry these two APOE4 genes. 😲
Juan Fortea and his team from the University of Barcelona studied over 3,000 donated brains and gathered data from more than 10,000 individuals across three countries. Their research shows a predictable pattern of Alzheimer's development in APOE4 homozygotes.
But not everyone is convinced. Professor David Curtis of the UCL Genetics Institute says, \"I do not see anything in this paper to justify the claim that carrying two copies of APOE4 represents some 'distinct genetic form' of Alzheimer's disease.\"
Regardless, this study shines a spotlight on how our genes can play a huge role in our health destinies. 🧬✨ It's a game-changer for Alzheimer's research and could lead to new ways to tackle this mind-wasting disease.
Reference(s):
People with two copies of a risk gene have genetic form of Alzheimer's
cgtn.com
