Genetics could be a cause, not a risk, for Alzheimer’s

A gene thought to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s may actually cause it in some cases. Scientists have long known a gene called “APOE4” is one of many things, including simply getting older, that can increase the risk for Alzheimer’s.

The findings have “profound implications,” said Dr. Juan Fortea, who led the study.

Among them are that symptoms can now begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer’s after 65 years of age.

People with two copies, known as APOE4 homozygotes, make up two to three percent of the general population, but are an estimated 15 to 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s dementia, said experts. People with one copy make up about 15 to 25 percent of the general population, and they make up 50 percent of Alzheimer’s dementia patients.

The new recommendation will prompt questions about whether people should get tested to determine if they have the APOE4 variant. Experts suggest not taking the test because they feel that knowing you will develop Alzheimer’s could only cause grief.

Do you agree? Would you want to know if you were going to develop Alzheimer’s?

Read more about APOE4 and about the testing here.

Learn more about the study here.

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