Alzheimer's genes are genes that make you more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Genes control the function of every cell in your body. Some genes determine basic characteristics, such as the color of your eyes and hair. Other genes can make you more likely to develop certain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified several genes that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, genetic risk factors are just one part of the Alzheimer's disease story.
Although a rare form of Alzheimer's disease occurs before age 65 (early-onset Alzheimer's disease), the most common variety of Alzheimer's disease usually begins after age 65 (late-onset Alzheimer's disease). The most common gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease is called apolipoprotein E (APOE).
APOE has three common forms:
Genes aren't the only factor
Because you inherit one APOE gene from your mother and another from your father, you have two copies of the APOE gene. Having at least one APOE e4 gene increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. If you have two APOE e4 genes, your risk is even higher.
Not everyone who has one or two APOE e4 genes develops Alzheimer's disease. The disease occurs in many people who have no APOE e4 gene, suggesting that the APOE e4 gene affects risk but is not a cause. Other genetic and environmental factors likely are involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
As research on the genetics of Alzheimer's progresses, researchers are uncovering links between late-onset Alzheimer's and a number of other genes. Several examples include:
Researchers seek to learn more about the basic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and, consequently, ways to treat and prevent the disease.
As with APOE, these genes are risk factors, not direct causes. In other words, having a variation of one of these genes may increase your risk of Alzheimer's. However, knowing whether you have such a variation doesn't help predict whether you'll develop Alzheimer's.
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