2024-05-10 11:25:25
On the trail of Alzheimer’s: Scientists discover for the first time a genetic form that not only increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, but almost certainly triggers it.
The gene is called “APOE4”. A study published on Monday shows that anyone who carries two copies of the gene is almost certain to develop Alzheimer’s. Almost two percent of the population is said to carry this gene combination.
A research team from the Sant Pau Institute in Barcelona (Spain) has now published the finding in the specialist magazine “Nature Medicine”. The researchers compared around 10,000 data from the US National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database and from five other studies. 95 percent of all people with an APOE4 combination showed typical Alzheimer’s values (biomarkers). These include proteins in the nervous fluid or typical deposits (plaques) in the brain.
Can I test for APOE4?
In Germany, APO4 tests are mainly performed as part of studies. Anyone looking to check their Alzheimer’s risk privately has few options. ApoE4 home tests, offered in the United States, are prohibited in our country due to the Genetic Diagnostics Act. Only in exceptional cases is it possible to test for ApoE4.
Most Alzheimer’s genetic tests in this country are aimed at familial Alzheimer’s disease, which begins before the age of 65 and is inherited from father or mother. However, these genetic tests are not ApoE4 tests. They check for the presence of other Alzheimer’s genes and only take place in genetic consultations.
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Can Alzheimer’s disease be cured?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatment methods:
- Medicines that relieve symptoms in some patients in the early stages of the disease. However, these drugs cannot stop or reverse the course of the disease.
- Support measures: This includes occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social support.
- Healthy diet, exercise and mental activity can help slow the progression of the disease.
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