APOE4 Gene Variant Causes Alzheimer's from Age 55: Nature Medicine Study

May 6, 2024, 06:30 PM

A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified that individuals carrying two copies of the APOE4 gene variant are almost certain, with nearly 100% full penetrance, to develop Alzheimer's disease from age 55, marking a significant shift in understanding the genetic basis of the condition. Previously recognized as a major risk factor, APOE4 is now considered to cause a distinct form of Alzheimer's. This discovery underscores the gene's role in the disease's pathology, including increased levels of Alzheimer's biomarkers and abnormal amyloid levels in cerebrospinal fluid by age 65. The findings, reported by statnews, could lead to earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments for those with this genetic predisposition.