Genetic variant among Black people linked to hardening of arteries, Alzheimer's disease

Rutgers-Newark researchers have identified a genetic variant specific to individuals of African descent that amplifies the connection between arterial stiffening and Alzheimer's disease. However, the findings may be reassuring, as maintaining good vascular health could potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This implies that preserving healthy blood vessels is particularly crucial for those who test positive for this genetic risk factor, according to Mark Gluck, who directs a lab studying Alzheimer's disease in African Americans, a group that is more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to other populations.

The study, conducted by the Aging & Brain Health Alliance under Gluck's leadership, involved 143 participants aged 60 or older who provided blood and saliva samples, had their blood pressure measured, and underwent a specific MRI scan to assess blood vessel blood flow speed. All participants were cognitively healthy. After analyzing the genetic, vascular health, and p-tau levels (an abnormal brain protein detectable in the blood of early-stage Alzheimer's patients), researchers found that people with a particular ABCA7-80 gene variant, unique to African ancestry, experienced higher p-tau levels when their blood vessels were stiffer.

Poor vascular health can negatively affect the brain, as aging can lead to stiffer blood vessels that increase pressure on delicate brain vessels, potentially causing damage over time. This may also hinder the brain's oxygen and nutrient supply and waste clearance, contributing to memory and thinking problems and increasing Alzheimer's risk.

The positive aspect is that while genetics are beyond control, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise are within one's power. Budak emphasizes the importance of exercise, suggesting simple activities like walking and limiting prolonged sitting. A Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, olive oil, seafood, beans, lentils, and seeds, and low in red meat and sugary baked goods, is also recommended.

The researchers estimate blood vessel flexibility using a formula considering blood pressure and age, which could potentially become part of regular checkups for older African Americans in the future. Gluck emphasizes that the study's success is due to the participation of Newark and surrounding communities who have volunteered their health data since 2006.