More Gene Variations Linked to Late-Onset Alzheimers Disease
The largest Alzheimer study ever conducted found four novel genes present in the context of Alzheimer’s disease risk. Four polymorphisms were discovered; however, the connections between the affected genes and Alzheimers disease processes are not immediately obvious.
Three genes were found in previously identified genes. One of the genes is in the gene for apolipoprotein E. One encodes a protein found in nerve synapses of which the function is totally unknown. The other is for the CD33 immune-related protein.
The association with the CD33 is a hint that bacterial infection may play some role in Alzheimers disease, the researcher said.
It is recommended that interested patients be told that a genomic study identified several genetic variations associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However, also caution them that research is at an early stage – much too early to suggest potential treatments.
Other research has shown an association between genes and cholesterol metabolism, an association that linked early and late onset Alzheimers disease. The report follows closely on another study reporting that statins, widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, could prevent certain neural changes that signal the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional earlier studies support the idea that statins could benefit Alzheimer’s patients; however, other studies have found no such protective effect from statins.
Studies have shown that people who have a particular mutation in the gene for a cholesterol carrier called apolipoprotein E are far more likely to develop Alzheimer’s in old age than those who don’t have the mutation. Some researchers believe the role of cholesterol in the neural transmission pathways is under -studied and may yield a potential therapeutic benefit in alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
About the author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
