The two largest studies ever of Alzheimer’s disease have led to the discovery of five new genes that increase risk of the disease, Gina Kolata reports in today’s New York Times. There are now 10 genes that are known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s in old age.
The first such gene, APOE-e4, was found in 1995, and is an extremely powerful predictor of Alzheimer’s risk. Each of the others has only a tiny effect on risk, but together they show some intriguing patterns that offer clues about why Alzheimer’s develops. Ms. Kolata writes:
Some of the genes seem to be involved with cholesterol metabolism — and it is known that heart disease risk factors are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Others are involved with inflammation — and it is known that immune cells of the brain hover around the plaques in the brain that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. It’s also known that head injuries and strokes, which increase the risk for Alzheimer’s, set off an immune response in the brain. Other genes are involved with moving molecules through cells.
Read the full article here. Do you have questions about the new gene findings in Alzheimer’s disease? Please post your comments and questions for Ms. Kolata in the Comments box, below. She will be responding to selected reader questions during the week.
April 7 | Updated Thanks for your questions! Gina Kolata is no longer answering questions, but see her many responses below.