APOE4 Gene Variant Causes Distinct Alzheimer's, Nearly 100% Penetrance: Study

May 6, 2024, 04:33 PM

Recent research indicates that the APOE4 gene variant, known for its association with Alzheimer's disease, may cause a distinct form of the illness. This conclusion comes from a study published in Nature Medicine, which found that individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene almost invariably show signs of Alzheimer's. Scientists are now suggesting that carriers of the duplicate gene should commence treatment at a younger age due to the near 100% penetrance rate of the disease in these individuals.