Alzheimer's genes: Are you at risk?
Alzheimer's genes: Are you at risk?Alzheimer's genes are genes that make you more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Genes control the function of every cell in your body. Some genes determine basic characteristics, such as the color of your eyes and hair. Other genes can make you more likely to develop certain diseases — including Alzheimer's. Researchers have identified several Alzheimer's genes — genes that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. But genetic risk factors are just one part of the Alzheimer's story, a complex narrative that scientists continue to try to unravel. Most common late-onset Alzheimer's geneWhile some rare forms of Alzheimer's occur before the age of 65, the most common variety of Alzheimer's usually begins after the age of 65. The most common gene associated with this late-onset Alzheimer's is called apolipoprotein E (APOE). APOE has three common forms:
Genes aren't only factor But not everyone who has an APOE e4 gene — or even two APOE e4 genes — develops Alzheimer's. And the disease occurs in many people who have no APOE e4 gene. This indicates that the APOE e4 gene affects risk, but it is not a causative gene. Other genetic and environmental factors are likely involved in the development of Alzheimer's. Other late-onset genesAs research on the genetics of Alzheimer's progresses, researchers are uncovering links between late-onset Alzheimer's and a number of other genes. Several examples include:
Researchers hope that discovery of these genes will help them learn more about the basic mechanisms of Alzheimer's and consequently, ways to treat and prevent the disease. But similar to APOE, these genes are risk factors, not direct causes. In other words, having a variation of one of these genes may increase your risk of Alzheimer's. But knowing whether you have such a variation doesn't help predict whether you will ultimately develop Alzheimer's. Early-onset Alzheimer'sA very small percentage of the people who develop Alzheimer's disease have the early-onset variety, which is classified as beginning before the age of 65. Scientists have identified three genes in which mutations cause early-onset Alzheimer's. If you inherit one of these mutated genes from either parent, you almost certainly will experience Alzheimer's symptoms before the age of 65. The genes involved are:
Mutations of these genes cause the production of excessive amounts of a toxic protein fragment called amyloid-beta peptide. As these fragments stick together and deposit in the brain as amyloid plaques — and somehow induce changes in another brain protein called tau — the brain cells start dying and the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's begin. However, some people who have early-onset Alzheimer's don't have mutations in any of these three genes. That suggests that this early onset form of Alzheimer's disease is linked to other genetic mutations that haven't been identified yet. Genetic testingMost experts don't recommend genetic testing for late-onset Alzheimer's. In some instances of early-onset Alzheimer's, however, genetic testing may be appropriate. In the case of APOE, knowing whether you have the e4 variety really doesn't tell you much. Although many people with APOE e4 develop Alzheimer's, many don't. Conversely, some people with no APOE e4 genes get Alzheimer's. Most clinicians discourage testing for the APOE genotype, as the results are often difficult to interpret. Testing for the mutant genes that have been linked to early-onset Alzheimer's — APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 — may provide more certain results and have implications for current and future therapeutic drug trials. But it's also important to weigh the emotional consequences of having that information. There also may be eligibility implications for certain forms of insurance, such as disability, long term care and life insurance. Even without genetic testing, doctors can diagnose Alzheimer's with 90 percent accuracy. Researchers and genesResearchers suspect that there are dozens more genes that affect Alzheimer's disease risk that have not yet been identified or confirmed. Scientists study the genetics of Alzheimer's disease because understanding the basis of a disease may provide clues about how to combat it. Such information may prove vital in the development of new ways to treat, or even prevent, Alzheimer's disease in the future. The Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Study, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, is examining genetic information from families that have at least two siblings who have developed Alzheimer's after the age of 60. If your family is interested in participating in this study, visit the web site for the National Cell Repository for Alzheimer's Disease (NCRAD). RelatedLast Updated: 2010-08-05 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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