Why Some People With a High-Risk Alzheimer's Gene Never Develop It
The study lead told Newsweek that some genes identified in the research could help protect against Alzheimer's.
Carrying a high-risk gene for Alzheimer's doesn't automatically lead to the disease, according to new research. An international team of scientists, led by Michael E. Belloy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, analyzed genetic data from nearly 450,000 individuals across European, African, and Japanese populations.
While about half of those with the Alzheimer's-associated APOE4 gene develop the condition, many others never do. Belloy explained that the presence of APOE4 alone does not guarantee the onset of Alzheimer's, as the disease's development depends on a complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle, and biological factors.
The researchers identified dozens of genes that may influence Alzheimer's risk in APOE4 carriers. One significant finding was the association of many of these genes with brain cells called oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin, a protective sheath around nerve fibers. This suggests that maintaining healthy myelin could be a protective factor against Alzheimer's in APOE4 carriers.
Belloy emphasized that while the findings provide valuable insights, translating them into potential treatments requires further validation and experimental testing. He noted that the research lays the groundwork for more personalized approaches to Alzheimer's prevention and treatment, focusing on individual biological mechanisms rather than a universal strategy.
However, he acknowledged that significant challenges remain before any promising candidates can advance to drug development stages.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
