Researchers KU Leuven predict the start of Alzheimer’s with a genetic model
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Through research by KU Leuven, scientists can now predict the start of Alzheimer’s on the basis of a genetic model. The organization Alzheimer Research Foundation announced this on Monday.
The researchers developed a genetic model with which they can predict when Alzheimer’s disease will manifest themselves in people with a hereditary form of the disease. The research was done under the leadership of the professor Lucía Chávez Gutiérrez (VIB-KU Leuven). The hereditary form of Alzheimer’s is rather rare, but the research would give new insights into the course of the disease. The study investigated the increase in certain proteins in the brain when this form of dementia comes into effect. According to the researcher, the next step in the study is to adjust the protein ratios in order to inhibit the disease at an early stage or even prevent it in the long term.
These new insights are a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research. As a result, doctors can better estimate which genetic variants increase the chance of Alzheimer’s and in the long term it can be used to prepare indidual risk profiles based on the genetic background of the patient.
