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.
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.
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.
For more information contact: Press Office 0207 423 3595 press@alzheimers.org.uk
'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.
Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia and their carers. It provides information and education, support for carers, and quality day and home care. It funds medical and scientific research and campaigns for improved health and social services and greater public understanding of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Society provides a national help line on 0845 3000 336 and website alzheimers.org.uk. Please include this information in any publication that uses these comments.
For more information contact: Press Office 0207 423 3595 press@alzheimers.org.uk
