Unraveling Dementia’s Secrets: NIH Finds Genes That Increase Risk

Dementia is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral changes that interfere with daily life. But what are the genetic factors that increase the risk of developing dementia?

In a recent study, NIH scientists discovered two key risk factors that are linked to dementia: a rare variant of the APOE gene and a common variant of the TREM2 gene. These genes are involved in the immune system and the clearance of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein that accumulates in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

The researchers analyzed the genomes of more than 6,000 people with dementia and 5,000 healthy controls. They found that people who carried both the APOE and TREM2 variants had a 12-fold higher risk of developing dementia than those who did not. The APOE variant alone increased the risk by 3.8 times, while the TREM2 variant alone increased it by 2.6 times, reports The ScitechDaily.

The study also revealed how these genes interact with each other and with amyloid beta. The APOE variant reduces the ability of immune cells called microglia to clear amyloid-beta from the brain. The TREM2 variant enhances the inflammatory response of microglia to amyloid-beta, which can damage brain cells and worsen cognitive decline.

The findings suggest that targeting these genes or their pathways could be a promising strategy for preventing or treating dementia. The researchers hope their study will inspire more research on the genetic and environmental factors contributing to this complex and challenging disease.

Related Stories:

Olive Oil Emerges as Potential Key Ingredient in Reducing Dementia Risk Consuming Cheese May Have Positive Effect On Dementia Mosquitoes Are More Likely to Bite People with Certain Body Odors, Study Finds Early Smoking Cessation Reduces Mortality Risk in NSCLC – study New study links air pollution from vehicles to brain function decline New Study Finds Health Benefits in Fewer Daily Steps Than Expected Kidneys and Heart: New Study Finds Important Connection NASA Confirms Launch Date for Its Massive Moon Rocket