Scientist now think they may have found a new genetic variant just as risky as with "Alzheimer's gene" ApoE4.
The Alzheimer’s gene, known as ApoE4, is one of the the largest genetic risk factors for later onset Alzheimer’s disease. Carrying one copy of the gene triples the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, while two copies increase one’s risks more than 12 times. Scientist now think they may have found a new gene known as KL-VS that may rival the elevated risk associated with ApoE4.
“What’s making [these patients] unique? What’s protecting them? The effect of APOE4 is so strong that we really would expect them to develop Alzheimer’s disease,” said Michael Belloy, postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University, in an interview with Being Patient.
This new finding may add to the list of factors like gender, lifestyle and ancestral background that may help decrease the likelihood of Alzheimer’s.
In a new study published in JAMA Neurology, Belloy and other researchers discovered that a variant of the klotho gene KL-VS may protect older adults with ApoE4 from developing Alzheimer’s. After analyzing more than 20,000 people ages 60 and older, the team found that healthy participants who carried both ApoE4 and KL-VS are less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s. Healthy participants carrying both genes also had less beta-amyloid in their brains — abnormal proteins considered one of the first hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
Everyone carries the klotho gene. Klotho is a complex hormone produced in both the kidney and the brain, named for the daughter of Zeus, Klotho, a Greek Fate who spun the thread of life, and linked to longevity. Scientists previously found that some older adults who carry one copy of the variant have greater memory and processing speed. Previous animal studies show that klotho is not only associated with improved cognition, but it’s also linked to extended life spans and may possess therapeutic benefits for mice with Alzheimer’s.
About one in five people have the variant KL-VS.
The team found no benefits for those who carried two copies of the variant. In fact, previous research shows that one copy of KL-VS increases the levels of klotho while two copies decreases the hormone.
This phenomenon is called the heterozygote advantage, where carrying one copy of a mutated gene may be beneficial while having two copies can be harmful. By way of another example is the gene variant that may cause sickle cell anemia: Previous research has indicated that one copy of the sickle cell gene variant may protect people from malaria, a life-threatening disease where parasites infect the red blood cells. They would also be safe from the blood disease sickle cell anemia. However, those who inherit two copies of the variant develop sickle cell anemia.
Exactly why KL-VS may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s is still unknown. But what the link can tell us is that doctors who counsel their patients about genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s should also consider the patients’ klotho variant. And scientists conducting clinical trials should also target those who carry ApoE4 without KL-VS, as they may have a greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.
Later onset Alzheimer’s is rampant in my family, and goes back at least three generations.
My late dad, late great uncle and aunt on my dad’s side of the family, all died from this horrible disease.
In my quest to learn more about dementia/Alzheimer’s, I have asked everyone from my VA primary care doctor, to local health agencies.., and beyond, where and/or how can I be tested to see if I might be a carrier of the ApoE4?
Can anyone answer that question?
I found out I had it when I went to a functional medicine nurse practitioner for routine blood work.
I found out when I did the 23 & Me ancestry and health test. Likely one of the cheapest ways to get genetic testing.
I was in a study and it was revealed I do carry the APOE4 gene, however, my Husband freaked out and i no longer went back to participate in the rest of the study. How can I find out if I carry the KL-VS gene to counter this?
I also found out that I carry one APOE4 gene through a study which stopped. How can I find out if I carry the KL-VS gene?
I couldn’t even get bloodwork and a handful of antibiotics for lyme disease when covered from head to toe with the ring rash and seizing. What chance in hell would a patient of average means have of alzheimer testing and mitigation? I’m losing my mind so I am just praying to die. sick and stupid is not a good market for selling pharma. The rich can warehouse or care for their sick and elderly. I want something to time the end to my finances.