TREM2 Variant
A research team has announced findings that a rare TREM2 variant, R47h, places carriers at a greater risk for Alzheimer's than the general population. TREM2 is a gene which helps trigger immune responses in the body and these findings support one of the theories about the cause Alzheimer's; namely inflammation in the brain. If the immune response leads to inflammation in the brain, the body may be unable to clear out the build up of toxins such as amyloid beta. This build up then leads to Alzheimer's.
The study looked at individuals with Alzheimer's as well as healthy individuals in Iceland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands and the United States. Those individuals with the R47h mutation were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The mutation is rare, however. It is found in only 0.3% of the population.
Additional Information:
Gene Nearly Triples Risk of Alzheimer's, International Research Team Finds
New Gene Triples Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
The study looked at individuals with Alzheimer's as well as healthy individuals in Iceland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands and the United States. Those individuals with the R47h mutation were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer's. The mutation is rare, however. It is found in only 0.3% of the population.
Additional Information:
Gene Nearly Triples Risk of Alzheimer's, International Research Team Finds
New Gene Triples Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
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