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[Genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease]
M Staufenbiel1, E Pombo-Villar
1Sandoz Pharma AG, Basilea, Suiza.
Revista De Neurologia
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Genetic testing can predict early-onset Alzheimer's disease, but not the more common senile forms. Research identifies specific genes and mutations linked to familial Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Context:
- Alzheimer's disease presents as early-onset or senile dementia with heterogeneous etiology.
- Familial clustering is observed in some Alzheimer's syndrome cases.
Purpose:
- To explore the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer's disease, differentiating between early-onset and senile forms.
- To identify genetic factors associated with familial Alzheimer's disease.
Summary:
- Early-onset Alzheimer's disease, particularly familial forms, is linked to specific genes with autosomal dominant mutations.
- Senile dementias are more common, without clear dominant transmission, but apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele is a risk factor.
Impact:
- Genetic tests may predict presenile dementia onset.
- Current genetic tests are not available for predicting common senile types of Alzheimer's dementia.