BYU Researchers Identify Gene Variation That Protects Against Alzheimer's Disease

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BYU research published today in Genome Medicine details a novel and promising approach in the effort to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

BYU research published today in Genome Medicine details a novel and promising approach in the effort to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

BYU professors Perry Ridge and John Kauwe have discovered a rare genetic variant that provides a protective effect for high-risk individuals — elderly people who carry known genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s— who never acquired the disease.

In other words, there’s a specific reason why people who should get Alzheimer’s remain healthy. Study authors believe this genetic function could be targeted with drugs to help reduce the risk of people getting the disease.

“Instead of identifying genetic variants that are causing disease, we wanted to identify genetic variants that are protecting people from developing disease,” said Ridge, assistant professor of biology at BYU. “And we were able to identify a promising genetic variant.”

Read more at Brigham Young University

Image: BYU professors Perry Ridge and John Kauwe (Credit: BYU Photo)