LAWRENCE, Kan., Nov 25, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say people
with a gene placing them at risk for later development of Alzheimer's disease
display early brain changes and cognitive deficits.
University of Kansas School of Medicine researchers led by Assistant Professor
Robyn Honea said they studied 53 non-demented people who were more than 60 years
old. Some had the apolipoprotein E gene that has been associated with brain
atrophy in Alzheimer's disease. Others did not carry this gene.
The researchers said they collected a series of sophisticated brain images from
the study's participants, all of whom completed cognitive tests assessing their
memory and thinking processes.
The scientists said they discovered those with the ApoE4 gene displayed reduced
cognitive performance, as well as atrophy of their brain's hippocampus and
amygdala regions -- areas important for memory processing.
Honea said the findings suggest some brain changes and performance deficits of
the type usually found in Alzheimer's patients are also evident in non-demented
people who have a genetic risk of later developing Alzheimer's.
The study appears in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International