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.
Berkshire Hathaway event gives good view of Warren Buffett's successor
Australian police probe why man who stabbed 6 people to death in a Sydney mall targeted women
Oti Mabuse shares 'sad' update as Saturday Night Takeaway comes to an end after 22 years on screens
Meet the Real Housewives star who spent £25m on a 1,000
Former Starbucks CEO Schultz says company needs to refocus on coffee as sales struggle
What key recent events led to Iran's assault on Israel?
China, U.S. in bid to boost education ties
Cyberspace pledges set to narrow divide
Double European weightlifting champion Pielieshenko killed in Ukraine war
Profile: Breaking new ground in intravital imaging
Larrañaga, Kruger, Dunphy and Nolan to be honored with Joe Lapchick Character Award
Spring outing popular among Chinese people: survey