Alzheimer's risk factor in young adults
Published 7 April 2009
Young adults who carry the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) 4 gene have different brain activity in the area that codes memories to those without the gene, according to new research by the University of Oxford
Carrying the ApoE4 is known to increase your chance of developing late-onset Alzheimer's, but does not mean you will definitely develop the disease.
'This study paves the way for further research that could help us understand how brain function in younger adults may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life.
Inheriting the ApoE gene is only one of many factors that can affect your overall risk of developing Alzheimer's. At the moment we can't use ApoE to predict who will develop the disease. Any form of genetic testing would also require careful ethical consideration.
Dementia research is desperately underfunded. We need more investment to better understand the relationship between genetics and all forms of dementia.'
Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
Reference:
Filippinia et al, Distinct patterns of brain activity in young carriers of the APOE-_4 allele, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS.org.uk).
