What is the Alzheimers Gene?


Alzheimers disease has received a lot of attention over the last decade; much of this attention has been directed toward the existence of the Alzheimers Gene. Part of the reason behind this fact is that the cause for the disease has been difficult to pinpoint. In fact, this is because it may not have any one cause at all.

Types of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers Disease can be broadly categorized into two distinctive groups. These groups include late-onset Alzheimers disease and Familial Alzheimers Disease (FAD). FAD is characterized by a very early-onset and an extremely high number of family members being affected by it. Late-onset Alzheimers disease is by far the most common form.

The Alzheimers Gene

There are four chromosomes that have been shown to have something to do with the development of Alzheimers. These chromosomes are 1, 14, 19, and 21. A healthy person has a total of 46 chromosomes. These are generally 23 pairs of chromosomes; one of each pair is received from each parent.

There are many genes that have been associated with Alzheimers disease in studies, although a gene that can be labeling the Alzheimers gene does not necessarily exist. The gene that seems to be the most common indicator of late-onset Alzheimers disease is the APOE gene, located on the chromosome number 19. Specifically, when this gene shows the variant APOE4, the person with this trait is more likely to develop Alzheimers disease. This gene does not make their development of Alzheimers certain, only more likely. It seems to predispose individuals toward the disease.

In the early-onset Alzheimers disease FAD, many families that are predisposed to this disease have been shown to have an abnormality on chromosome number 21. They also seem to show more abnormalities on chromosomes 1 and 14 than other patients. This factor has lead doctors to believe that no single gene abnormality may be the cause of either type of Alzheimers disease. In fact, genes may only be a part of the overall picture of this disease.

This particular genetic discovery regarding chromosome number 21 was found interesting by many scientists because chromosome number 21 is also the chromosome involved with Down syndrome. Individuals that are diagnosed with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome number 21 and they generally develop Alzheimer-like brain abnormalities as they grow older. The abnormality of chromosome 21 may be the closest thing to an Alzheimers gene that exists.

Overall, evidence suggests that there is no real Alzheimers gene, rather a large set of genes that work in conjunction with other factors that make Alzheimers disease more likely to strike.

Diagnosis Of Alzheimers

Early-onset Alzheimers disease is somewhat different than most types of Alzheimers.

Mood swings are quite common. This was a very thoughtful thing for Reagan to do and the contents of his letter regarding Alzheimers Ronald Reagan were sure to have elicited much positive response and concern about the former Presidents well-being. This was the first documented case of Alzheimers. Another form of alzheimers disease support groups are conducted over the Internet.

These people have a defective gene on chromosome 1, 14 or 21.
Becoming forgetful is one of the classic symptoms during this stage of the progression of Alzheimers disease. While it is possible for genetics to play a role in early onset Alzheimers, it is a very small chance that this is going to happen. One particular option that you have when it comes to finding an educational and informative article on Alzheimers disease is Alzheimers Association, which is an association that is considered as being the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. From the familys point of view, it may not always seem like the best option and many feel helpless because they are physically or mentally unable to provide the constant care the patient needs. A German doctor was seeing a woman patient who exhibited symptoms of confusion, memory loss and had the unusual symptom of being suspicious of everyone around her. Alzheimer research is leading to some interesting thoughts about Alzheimers.

If you are caring for a loved one who is suffering with Alzheimers disease, you know how challenging the task is.
Some recent alternative methods to be used in therapy for Alzheimers Disease suggests the use of Vitamin E, however it is also warned that too high of a dose can also cause cardiac problems. Alzheimers disease is a horrible and destructive disease, and whether you know someone who is suffering from the disease or not, you should learn some facts about Alzheimers disease, so that you are more informed and knowledgeable in general and so that you will be able to understand it better if anyone you know ever does develop the disease. Alzheimer research takes many years when looking into new medications and ways to administer it. Alzheimer was baffled by the condition. Because of this, different things are tired al the time in regard to methods of coping with the disease, and trying to find ways to simply cure it. While you may not notice any changes in the person at first, by the time a person has a moderate case of Alzheimers, they will need assistance with complicated activities.