A Gene Long Thought To Just Raise The Risk For Alzheimer’s May Cause Some Cases
May 6, 2024 5:37PM CDT
Credit: MGN
WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease.
Most cases of the mind-robbing disease occur after age 65.
A gene called APOE4 has long been considered a key risk factor.
But new research says if people inherit two copies of that gene it’s not just a risk — it appears to be the underlying cause.
About 15% of Alzheimer’s patients are thought to carry the gene pair.
Scientists say the distinction could have implications for both research and treatment.
The findings were published Monday in Nature Medicine.
