Man’s Rare Condition Might Lead To New Alzheimer’s Treatments

August 19, 2014

Could one 40-year-old-man lead to a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research? Researchers are greatly interested in learning more about this particular gentleman and the rare condition that he has. This condition involves the lack of protein called apolipoprotein E gene (apoE4). Experts know that a mutation of this particular gene increases the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The mutation is found in 20 to 30 percent of the people overall and in 40 percent of those with late onset Alzheimer’s. Researchers have always wondered what results of testing would show if they were able to eliminate this gene in people’s brains. This particular gentleman’s brain doesn’t produce this protein and it doesn’t appear to have hurt his brain. The astonishing research suggests that the brain simply adjusts to the lack of apoE4 and other proteins pick up the work done by apoE4.

Dr. Joachim Herz, the chair in Alzheimer’s disease research at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said, “The findings in this patient indicate that completely removing apoE would have no overt ill effects on brain function, and so an Alzheimer’s treatment that reduced brain apoE would theoretically have no or little cognitive side effects”

Researchers do warn that there are caveats to this research. The gentleman in question is 40 years old and it is unclear how aging will affect the functioning of his brain. Secondly, reducing apoE4 would increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Those would have to be monitored and taken into consideration in such treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Saying that, scientists are already working on a drug to reduce the level of this protein in humans.

To find out more about this study, please click here