Last week we talked about diet and Alzheimer’s, which led to questions from some of you about the genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s. Recently scientists have identified two new genes they believe are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Sudha Seshadri (an associate professor of neurology at the Boston University School of Medicine), titled Genome-wide Analysis of Genetic Loci Associated With Alzheimer Disease, 3,006 people with Alzheimer’s and 14,642 people without the disease were analyzed. Seshadri and her team identified two new genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease located on chromosomes 2 and 19. This is in addition to the already existing known factor apolipoprotein E (APOE), which is the well established genetic marker identifying a risk factor for the common type of Alzheimer’s disease.
What is exciting about Seshadri’s research is it could lead the way in developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s. Gene expression and environmental factors are what we can influence to help us avoid this devastating disease. Since genetic research regarding Alzheimer’s is still in its infancy, our current approach regarding delaying the potential onset of this disease is to reduce environmental influences through exercising, eating right, and building cognitive reserve through brain fitness. The new genes that have been uncovered unfortunately have not immediately helped our ability to predict one’s risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease. However, by recognizing each of these new genes researchers can better understand the biological pathways involved in the development of Alzheimer’s. By enhancing the understanding of these pathways doctors and researchers are now more well-equipped to come up with innovative ways to postpone, prevent, and perhaps even treat the disease.
Dr. Seshadri concludes in the study the effect of each of these individual genes is small, so older people at risk for Alzheimer’s should not rush out and ask for genetic testing for these new genes. Furthermore, science is likely at least ten years away from any form of gene therapy for Alzheimer’s. As such, although genetic research is moving in the right direction, it’s always important and impactful to engage in a brain healthy lifestyle regardless of any potential for genetic predisposition of acquiring Alzheimer’s Disease in life.