11/6/2023 0 Comments Highlight magazine for alzhiemersResearchers are also finding other rare genetic variants, in addition to APOE ε2, that appear to provide some protection against developing Alzheimer’s. While inheriting APOE ε4 increases a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s, some people with an APOE ε4 allele never develop the disease. Having two copies of APOE ε4 is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s than having one copy. About 15% to 25% of people have this allele, and 2% to 5% carry two copies.Įach person inherits two APOE alleles, one from each biological parent, meaning people can have one of six possible combinations: 2/2, 2/3, 2/4, 3/3, 3/4, and 4/4. APOE ε4 increases risk for Alzheimer’s and is associated with an earlier age of disease onset in certain populations.APOE ε3, the most common allele, is believed to have a neutral effect on the disease - neither decreasing nor increasing risk of Alzheimer’s.Roughly 5% to 10% of people have this allele. If Alzheimer’s occurs in a person with this allele, it usually develops later in life than it would in someone with the APOE ε4 gene. APOE ε2 may provide some protection against the disease.APOE comes in several forms, called alleles (e.g., ε2, ε3). Problems in this process are thought to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. The APOE gene is involved in making a protein that helps carry cholesterol and other types of fat in the bloodstream. One well-known gene that influences Alzheimer’s risk is the apolipoprotein E ( APOE) gene. Understanding which genes play a role - and what role they play - may help identify new methods to prevent, delay, or treat dementia. Today, scientists have identified more than 70 genetic regions associated with Alzheimer’s. Ten years ago, researchers knew of only 10 genes linked with Alzheimer’s. Genetic variants that affect Alzheimer's disease risk Still, those who have a parent or sibling diagnosed with the disease have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those without that association. Importantly, people who develop Alzheimer’s do not always have a history of the disease in their families. Consequently, a person may carry more than one gene or group of genes that can either increase or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Instead, it can be influenced by multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors. In most cases, Alzheimer’s does not have a single genetic cause. Genes and Alzheimer's disease Share this infographic and help spread the word about Alzheimer's genetics. Precision medicine will enable researchers and doctors to predict more accurately which treatment and prevention strategies will work in particular groups of people. Genetic research is a component of precision medicine, an emerging approach that considers individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. In the field of epigenetics, researchers are studying how such factors can alter a cell’s DNA in ways that affect gene activity. Identifying genetic variants and their effects can help researchers uncover the most effective ways to treat or prevent diseases in an individual.Īdditionally, factors such as exercise, diet, chemicals, or smoking can have positive or negative effects by changing the way certain genes work. However, other variants may simply increase, or even decrease, a person’s risk of developing that disease. Sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and some cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s are examples of inherited genetic disorders. In some cases, a person inherits a genetic variant that will almost certainly lead to that individual developing a disease. While most genetic variants don’t cause diseases, some do. Some of these variants are quite common in the human population. Permanent changes in one or more specific genes are called genetic variants. Variations in genes - even small changes to a gene - can affect the likelihood of a person developing a disease such as Alzheimer’s. Genes also play a role in keeping the body’s cells healthy. They carry information that defines traits such as eye color and height. Genes are passed down from a person’s biological parents. Each chromosome has thousands of segments called genes. These instructions are made up of DNA, which is packed tightly into structures called chromosomes. Human cells contain the instructions needed for a cell to do its job. What does that mean? Let’s first learn about the role of genes. Researchers have identified several genetic variants that are associated with Alzheimer’s and may increase or decrease a person’s risk of developing the disease. Is it in your genes? This question isn’t easy to answer. Many people wonder if Alzheimer’s disease runs in their family.
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