An international team of researchers claim to have discovered a gene that almost doubles the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Called calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1), the gene may raise the risk of getting the memory-robbing illness by at least 45%, according to a new report published June, 27th issue of the journal Cell.
The newly identified gene is the second, strong genetic risk factor for developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia, and scientist hope it will help health experts develop drugs to combat the disease. Before this, a particular variant of the gene known as APOE was found on chromosome 19.
To reach their findings, researchers from several countries tracked the human genome and discovered a gene whose variations they think may make Alzheimer's disease more likely.
The team led by Dr Philippe Marambaud of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Albert Einstein College Of Medicine and Dr. Fabien Campagne of the Weill Medical College Of Cornell University, mentioned in its report that the newly isolated gene CALHM1 is predominantly active in a region of the brain that is hit early in the disease.
The gene appears to control the flow of calcium in and out of brain cells, influence the formation of "plaques" composed of clumps of a protein, beta-amyloid that form in the brains of those with Alzheimer's.
"This new work not only provides a better understanding of the mechanism leading to the disease, but identifies a risk factor as an important target for therapy," said Marambaud. "What we found is that risk is completely independent from ApoE4, but it is possible for someone to be affected by both."
Alzheimer's disease, which causes senility and can lead to death, is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of unusual clumps of proteins called amyloid plaques and nerve cell tangles that hinder messages being processed by the brain. AD that destroys patients' memories and capacity for speech affects an estimated 5.2 million Americans.
Alzheimer's affects almost half of all patients with dementia. The most striking early symptom of Alzheimer’s is loss of short term memory. As the disorder progresses, cognitive injury extends to the domains of language (aphasia), skilled movements (apraxia), recognition (agnosia), and those functions (such as decision-making and planning) closely related to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Researchers have been trying to formulate various methods to prevent dementia, which is common among the elderly. But the various medications available do not promise a full cure. Although, they help in ameliorating memory, but effectual treatment can be seen only in a handful of patients.
The Alzheimer's Association revealed this year in March that an estimated 10 million of the United States’ 79 million baby boomers will likely develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory lapse disease in their lifetime.
The report, “2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” estimates that one in eight baby boomers will likely develop Alzheimer’s disease as they get older, putting more strains on the U.S. health-care system and researchers who have been trying hard to formulate various methods to prevent the memory-robbing illness.
According to statistics, there are about 24 million people with dementia worldwide, and it has been projected that by 2040, the number of people suffering from AD will increase to 81 million. Globally, there are about 60% people in the developing countries affected by Alzheimer’s and by 2040, this proportion will rise to 71%.
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