Unlocking the Code: Genetic and Clinical Factors in Dementia Risk

Published on December 12, 2022

Imagine your brain is like a puzzle, and scientists are trying to unlock the pieces that contribute to dementia risk. In a study, researchers examined the connection between certain genetic variations (Apolipoprotein E genotypes) and comorbidities (other health conditions) in assessing the risk for dementia. They compared 600 dementia cases with 6000 non-dementia controls, looking at specific ApoE genotypes and eight selected comorbidities. The results revealed that individuals carrying the ε4 allele had a higher risk of dementia, especially if they had comorbidities like cerebrovascular accident, sleep disorder, or functional gastrointestinal disorders. Interestingly, the risk varied depending on age, with homozygous ε4 carriers experiencing a peak risk between 65-75 years old. Combining genetic and clinical information can help identify those at risk and provide early interventions. In fact, functional gastrointestinal disorder was found to be the strongest predicting factor for dementia in ε4 allele carriers. This research opens new doors to understanding the complex interplay between genetics and clinical factors in dementia risk. To learn more about this fascinating study, check out the full article!

IntroductionDementia is associated with many comorbidities while being related to Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism. However, it is unclear how these clinical illnesses and genetic factors modify the dementia risk.MethodsWe enrolled 600 dementia cases and 6000 matched non-dementia controls, with identified ApoE genotype (ε4/ε4, ε4/ε3, and ε3/ε3). Eight comorbidities were selected by medical records, and counted if occurring within 3 years of enrollment.ResultsThe dementia group had a higher ratio of carrying ε4 allele and prevalence of comorbidities than the non-dementia group. Homozygous ε4 carriers presented the broken line of dementia risk with the peak age at 65–75 years and odds ratio (OR) up to 6.6. The risk only emerged after 65 years of age in ε3/ε4 subjects with OR around 1.6–2.4 when aged > 75 years. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the commonest comorbidity (14.6%). CVA, sleep disorder, and functional gastrointestinal disorders remained as significant risk comorbidities for dementia throughout all age groups (OR = 1.7–5.0). When functional gastrointestinal disorder and ε4 allele both occurred, the dementia risk exceeded the summation of individual risks (OR = 3.7 and 1.9 individually, OR = 6.0 for the combination). Comorbidities could also be predictors of dementia.ConclusionCombining the genetic and clinical information, we detected cognitive decline and optimize interventions early when the patients present a specific illness in a particular age and carry a specific ApoE allele. Of comorbidities, functional gastrointestinal disorder is the strongest predicting factor for dementia in ε4 allele carriers.

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