Side Effects of Alzheimer's Gene Visible in Child Brain Development

Certain genes increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The side effects of the most common of these genes, apolipoprotein E, may be evident as early as in childhood, a study finds.

Genetic risks are just one of the factors that may increase or decrease a person's chances of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), along with age and family history.

While the symptoms of the rarer early-onset AD - representing less than 5 percent of people with the disease - can appear from the age of 30, the symptoms of the more common type, late-onset AD, is apparent over the age of 65.

This study, published in the online issue of Neurology, finds that the effects of the AD gene apolipoprotein E (APOE) may possibly be seen before the age of 20.

Read more: Side Effects of Alzheimer's Gene Visible in Child Brain Development

Studying genes in childhood that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease may possibly
help experts develop ways of delaying the disease.

Source: medicalnewstoday

Apolipoproteins - Novel perspectives and other challenges.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the West, and dyslipidemia is considered to be one of their key risk factors. The majority of CVD cases could be prevented by effective management of dyslipidemia. The use of new biomarkers like apolipoproteins as part of extended lipid profiles may be among the most significant new tools for such a task.

Dyslipidemias

Dyslipidemias cover a broad spectrum of lipid abnormalities. Clinicians have so far paid maximum attention to elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Many other types of dyslipidemias, however, also appear to enhance the risk of CVD. 

Lipid metabolism can become imbalanced or disturbed in several ways, resulting in changes to plasma lipoprotein function and thereafter to the development of atherosclerosis. Many patients who have high cardiovascular risk still have unfavorable lipid profiles.

Given the fast-growing interest in lipidology, clinicians have sought ways to apply evidence-based medicine daily in dyslipidemia management. There are several lipid guidelines from professional societies in different parts of the world to diagnose and make assessments of dyslipidemia. 

The role of apolipoproteins

In recent years, both Europe and the US have witnessed revisions in CVD guidelines and in the approach to lipid profiling. One major new area of attention is the role of apolipoproteins.

Read more: Apolipoproteins - Novel perspectives and other challenges.

Source: cli-online