Alzheimer's Gene Linked To Cognitive Impairment In Mid-Life

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 15 Jul 2010 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

TOMM40, a gene previously linked to Alzheimer's Disease, has an important effect on learning and memory in middle-aged people according to research presented at the ICAD.

Scientists carried out genetic tests and analysed the memory and learning of 726 middle-aged people without Alzheimer's disease. Results showed that people with a particular version (LPT) of the TOMM40 gene did worse on tests of memory and learning. People with this gene were also more likely to have the Alzheimer's gene, ApoE4. A further smaller study also showed that people with the new gene had less brain volume in areas of the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'These interesting preliminary studies have shown a gene linked to Alzheimer's also alters cognitive function in mid-life. Memory problems linked to the gene are by no means a predictor of Alzheimer's in later life. However it could represent a small but important risk. A better understanding of how genetic and other risk factors lead to cognitive impairment in mid-life will help researchers target prevention of dementia more effectively.'

'The number of people with dementia is expected to reach a million within a generation yet dementia research is dramatically underfunded. If we want to see the same advancements in dementia as we have for cancer we must invest more. '

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research

Study reference: 'TOMM40 is assoiated with grey matter volume in middle-aged persons with APOE3 genotype' by Sterling Johnson et al.

Notes

ICAD is the world's leading forum on dementia research. Run by Alzheimer's Association, it will this year be taking place in Hawaii from Sunday 11 July to Thursday 15 July.

Source:
Alzheimer's Society

• Additional
• References
• Citations