Researchers from University College London (UCL) defend a shift in Alzheimer\u2019s therapy strategy, focusing on the Apoe gene. They argue that blocking the harmful effects of its variants could prevent most cases of the disease.<\/p>\n
The team analyzed medical records from over 450,000 individuals of European ancestry to assess how Apoe variants influence risk. Apoe has three main forms: Apoe2, Apoe3 and Apoe4, inherited from both parents.<\/p>\n
Already, Apoe4 is known to raise risk, while Apoe3 is usually neutral and Apoe2 is often protective. The study reframes risk by suggesting that both Apoe3 and Apoe4 contribute to the likelihood of developing Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n
If interventions could neutralize the detrimental effects of Apoe3 and Apoe4, researchers say a large share of Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias might be preventable. The authors caution that this is a big if.<\/p>\n
Apoe is essential for transporting fats in the body and brain, so complete removal could cause problems. Future therapies might tweak the variants or dampen their activity, but such approaches are not ready for clinical use and carry risks.<\/p>\n
The work notes that more than half a million people in the UK and over 40 million worldwide live with Alzheimer\u2019s. Widespread treatment would affect a substantial portion of the population, raising practical and ethical questions.<\/p>\n
The study received mixed reactions. Some experts compare the potential impact to broad changes in road safety, while others emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and further research before clinical application.<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s Research UK highlights that Apoe3\u2019s role in risk is significant, but not definitive for all individuals. They stress that many factors, including non-genetic risks, influence dementia outcomes.<\/p>\n
The researchers acknowledge the complexity of Apoe-related risk and call for further study on diverse populations. They also note that Apoe testing is not routinely available through public health services in the UK.<\/p>\n
Fonte: estudo de UCL, com contribui\u00e7\u00f5es de especialistas em gen\u00e9tica e neurodegenera\u00e7\u00e3o. As informa\u00e7\u00f5es devem ser verificadas por institutos de sa\u00fade para orienta\u00e7\u00f5es cl\u00ednicas futuras.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"