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| Genetics of Alzheimer's | ||
Familial, or early-onset, Alzheimer's has been linked to defects in genes on chromosomes 1, 14, or 21. All are involved in processing the sticky protein that forms the dense deposits known as amyloid plaques seen in the brains of people with the disease. Four years ago, researchers discovered a link between late-onset Alzheimer's disease and a gene on chromosome 19 called ApoE. One variant, called ApoE4, is much more common in Alzheimer's patients than in those without the disease. Testing for ApoE4 is available, but experts don't recommend it for people who don't have signs of dementia. However, testing may be useful in pinning down or ruling out a diagnosis of Alzheimer's in people with dementia symptoms. And for those whom doctors strongly suspect have the disease, the test results may indicate how well certain drugs will work. |
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