Most of us grow old, and with age comes the onset of many unwanted problems. Amongst them is Alzheimer’s disease, which, like so much of our identity, ensues from an amalgamation of genetic and environmental factors. To date, four genes have been identified as contributing to the cause of Alzheimer’s, three of which are linked to an early-onset of the disease, that is, developing the condition before the age of 65 years. Although these genes are autosomal dominant, this version of the disease only affects 1% of the total number of cases.
More common is late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and from studies comparing identical and fraternal twins it has been inferred that genetics contribute about 60% to this. However, the scientific community has only accepted the ApoE4 variation of the Apolipoprotein gene as an established genetic risk factor.
ApoE4 attaches to a receptor on the brain surface, which adheres to the amyloid precursor protein. This complex is then transported inside the brain, and when present for long periods of time causes the cell death, memory loss and neurological dysfunction characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Article:http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=307&pageNumber=5
Image: http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/content/-21108stroke-drug-may-cut-alzheimers-risk
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