The genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is more influenced by the mother than by the daddy, a A recent study have discovered.
Alzheimer's disease steals memories, independence and the flexibility to attach with family members. In 2020, over 55 million people Living with dementia world wide. Alzheimer's disease is essentially the most common type of dementia, accounting for it. 60-70% All of dementia.
It is predicted that the number of individuals affected by dementia will almost double. 20 years. Finding ways to higher diagnose, treat, and even prevent dementia is more necessary than ever. This latest study could provide a useful goal for researchers hoping to develop latest treatments.
The study, published in JAMA Neurology, showed that individuals with a maternal history of memory loss had the next risk of developing Alzheimer's disease at any age than those with only a paternal history of memory loss ( or don't have any family history of memory loss). However, if an individual's father has early-onset memory loss (occurs before age 65), also they are at the next risk of Alzheimer's disease.
The study analyzed data from 4,413 people aged 65 to 85 who had no problems with cognitive function or memory. The study's large sample size is a very important strength, allowing for a more accurate interpretation of the outcomes than previous research. But it's necessary to notice that this isn't fully representative of the population, as most participants were white – so the outcomes may vary across other races.
were a part of the participants. Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Study, which is a Phase 3 clinical trial during which drug researchers hope will slow the progression of memory problems. Participants' cognitive function was measured using a series of widely used questions. Mini Mental State Test.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging was also used to scan their brains for signs of Alzheimer's disease and determine their risk of developing it.
The researchers were primarily searching for the presence of amyloid plaques, certainly one of the 2 hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. These toxic amyloid plaques form when fragments of the protein, called beta amyloid, clump together.
The hypothesis is that these clumped amyloid plaques are a first-rate suspect in damaging and killing brain cells (neurons). As a result of Alzheimer's disease. Another hallmark of Alzheimer's is the protein tau, which was not assessed on this study.
Accumulation of beta-amyloid is regarded as a major predictor of Alzheimer's disease, as amyloid levels can increase in people. years ago Memory problems begin
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Results from PET scans showed that participants whose moms had a history of memory impairment (whatever the age at which the memory problems began) had higher beta-amyloid levels. Amyloid levels were on average significantly higher in those with a maternal history of memory impairment than those with a paternal history of memory impairment.
Participants whose fathers had early memory loss (occurring before age 65) also had higher beta-amyloid levels. In contrast, participants with only a paternal history of memory loss (occurring after age 65), and no family history of memory loss, had normal beta-amyloid levels. was
The reason for this link is just not fully understood.
One suggestion from the researchers is the dysfunction of the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures inside our cells. These are inherited only from the mother. Mitochondria have their very own DNA, which might contain mutations that cause them to malfunction. Previous research It has already been shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is related to Alzheimer's disease.
The brain is an energy-hungry organ, functioning almost exclusively. 20% of body energy. So it's not surprising that dysfunction in mitochondria can result in cognitive impairment and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
Developing treatments
This study builds on previous, Small studies who've investigated the role of genetics in Alzheimer's disease. Because these studies had only small sample sizes, they lacked statistical power to attract strong conclusions. The very large sample size of this study allowed for strong conclusions and confirmation of the importance of maternal genetics.
The principal message of the study is that an individual's risk for Alzheimer's disease may rely on whether or not they inherited the disease from their mother or father, in addition to their parents' age when memory loss began. had happened Thus, consideration of parental history by gender could also be fundamental to identifying those at biggest risk for Alzheimer's.
In light of those findings, the following steps could also be to find out whether the mother's DNA — specifically the X chromosome itself — affects the event of the disease. If it plays a task, researchers can have a greater goal for treatment.
And since mitochondria are inherited from the mother, researchers can further investigate the mitochondrial dysfunction theory to higher understand whether it explains why individuals are more liable to Alzheimer's disease. If their mother had memory problems.
This latest study confirms the necessary role that genetics play in the event of Alzheimer's disease. But this is just not the one risk factor. Very Modifiable risk factors – equivalent to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and poor food plan – are also known to be major contributors to the event of the disease.