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Dementia gene bides its time

A gene (APOE4) associated with Alzheimer's disease only impacts people in old age and does not cause mental decline earlier in life, says an Australian study in the journal Neuropsychology.

The 20-year study of 6 560 people found that people with APOE4 maintained the same language abilities, memory skills, and reaction times as other people through most of their adult lives, the Australian Associated Press reported.

The finding suggests that very early Alzheimer's disease is not the cause of mental decline in people with the APOE4 before they reach old age, said lead author Anthony Jorm of the University of Melbourne.

APOE4 is believed to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, the AAP reported. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more:
Alzheimer's Centre

January 2007

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