Study pinpoints several genetic variants contributing to Alzheimer's disease

Mar 21 2024Boston University School of Public Health Identifying genetic variants and the role they play in predisposing people to Alzheimer's disease can help researchers better understand how to treat the neurodegenerative condition for which there is currently no cure.

Prior genome-wide association studies using common variants have identified regions of the genome, and sometimes genes, that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Whole genome sequence data interrogates every base pair in the human genome and can provide more information about which specific genetic change in a region may be contributing to Alzheimer's disease risk or protection.

Related StoriesThe ADSP includes ethnically diverse participants, and the population-specific assessments focused on White/European-ancestry, Black/African-American, and Hispanic/Latino subgroups, as well as a multi-population meta-analysis. Historically, Black and and Latino populations have been underrepresented in genetic studies of Alzheimer's disease despite having a higher prevalence of the disease than other ethnic groups.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Study opens the door to earlier diagnosis and potential treatment for Alzheimer's diseaseA study might open the door to earlier diagnosis and a potential pathway toward slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have discovered a special receptor on immune cells that can effectively bind and neutralize harmful 'beta proteins,' which are strongly associated with the disease.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Nutrition and Alzheimer's disease may be linked, study findsMalnutrition may increase a person's chances of contracting Alzheimer's disease, which in turn exacerbates malnutrition. That's according to a March 2024 study out of China published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

'Junk DNA' no more: Investigators develop method of identifying cancers from repeat elements of genetic codeRepeats of DNA sequences, often referred to as 'junk DNA' or 'dark matter,' that are found in chromosomes and could contribute to cancer or other diseases have been challenging to identify and characterize.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Identifying risk of poor pain outcomes to steer patients to early interventions and avoid opioid overuseFor most people, recovering from an injury or surgery might require a short round of painkillers, but for about 1 in 10 people, pain can trigger protracted and escalating mental, physical and behavioral health problems.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »