Gene mutations may increase dementia in Alzheimer's patients

A group of researchers from New York, USA, has announced that gene mutations may increase the risk of dementia and thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Researchers say that people with Alzheimer's disease also have more specific mutations called BDNF alleles Val66Met, or Met allele may be more rapidly impaired in memory and cognitive thinking than those without mutation.

Because people with this mutation also have high levels of beta-amyloid - a protein that binds the meninges of Alzheimer's disease and has a higher rate of cognitive decline than those with the disease but without mutations. .

Oziomka Okonkwo from the University of Wisconsin in Madison said: " Because this gene can be detected before symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and because the pre-disease phase is thought to be an important period for the The treatment may delay or prevent the disease so it may also be the earliest excellent treatment goal . '

In this study, scientists followed 1,023 people with an average age of 55 over 13 years, including those at risk for Alzheimer's disease but still healthy during the onset.

In tests of memory, learning, speech perception, people with non-mutagenic Alzheime can improve about 0.002 units / year while those with memory impairment mutation to 0.021 unit / year.

"This can be understood when there is no genetic breakdown, BDNF genes and body proteins produce better brain protection, keeping more memory, thinking and cognitive skills ." - Okonkwo said.

This study has just been published in the journal Neurology.