Researchers have recently discovered a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease that affects individuals who inherit two copies of a specific gene. The gene, known as APOE4, has long been recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer's, particularly in older individuals. However, a new study suggests that for those carrying two copies of the gene, it serves as an underlying cause of the disease, leading to symptoms manifesting seven to 10 years earlier than in other older adults with Alzheimer’s.
Approximately 15% of Alzheimer’s patients carry two copies of the APOE4 gene, indicating a direct genetic link to the disease. This discovery challenges previous notions that genetic forms of Alzheimer’s only occur at younger ages, highlighting the importance of developing treatments that target the APOE4 gene.
