Alzheimer's Breakthrough: Researchers Fix Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer ’s Disease in Human Brain Cells

Scientists have known for decades that people with two copies of a gene called apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.One copy of the apoE4 gene variantdoubles the risk (likelihood) of developing Alzheimer's disease.Having two copies of this genetic variantputs people at 12 times the risk.The apoE4 variant is the largest known genetic risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease.What is the Difference Between Alzheimer ’s and Dementiaby Alzheimer's Reading RoomSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading - This is a Free Service - Join NowScientists Fix Genetic Risk Factor for Alzheimer ’s Disease in Human Brain CellsUsing human brain cells,scientists at the Gladstone Institutes discovered the cause of —and a potential solution for—the primary genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, a gene called apoE4.Having one copy of the apoE4 gene more than doubles a person ’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease, andhaving two copies of the gene increases the risk by 12-fold, as compared to the most common version of the gene, apoE3.How to Test Your Memory for Alzheimer's and Dementia (5 Best Tests)The apoE4 gene creates a protein of the same name. The apoE4 protein differs from the apoE3 protein at only one point, but that single change is enough to alter its main structure and, thus, its function. Scientists have been unclear about why apoE4 is so much more damaging to brain cells than other versions of the protein.In...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: Alzheimers Prevention alzheimers research alzheimers risk alzheimers symptoms alzheimers treatment APOE4 brain science Source Type: blogs