Genetic Markers Predict Alzheimer's Disease Risk: Would You Want to Know?

Would you want to know if you were going to develop Alzheimer's disease? That's a question that patients may have to consider in the future. Researchers have discovered early genetic markers that could help highlight who is at risk for developing the disease.

Current tests to examine whether someone will develop Alzheimer's rely on the detection of proteins, called Tau proteins, in the central nervous system. Yet for years, scientists have wanted to find a way to earlier find out who will express these proteins and when they will start expressing them.

This new research may provide a way. The study, published in the journal Neuron, identified mutations which affect the build-up of certain proteins in the brain. The mutation is located in certain regions of the genome that influence the level of protein accumulation. The findings could enable healthcare professionals and patients to identify people who are at the most risk for the disease.

Using the genetic information from 1,269 patients, the study adds to the number of genetic markers that have already been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. In particular, another region identified as having genetic mutations predisposing people to Alzheimer's and protein accumulation was found in the gene TREM2. This gene is a receptor on the surface of cells and can influence another gene in the same family named TREML2, according to Medical Daily.

Yet the researchers were quick to point out that a person with these markers may not necessarily develop the disease.

"It is important to stress that lifestyle factors also play a role, and research has shown that eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly are key ways to reduce your risk of dementia," said Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer's Society, in an interview with BBC News.

That said, knowing whether or not you're at risk could influence what precautions you could take to prevent the disease.