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Illustration of myelinated neuron axons in light blue, with spindly blue and purple cells interspersed among them.
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production
The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production
A Gene Variant Linked to Alzheimer’s May Disrupt Myelin Production

The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.

The APOE4 variant causes cholesterol buildup in the cells that make protective fatty sheaths for neurons, possibly helping explain its role in neurodegeneration.

APOE

Tiled blue-gray MRI readouts of a human brain.
Cancer Tied to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Dan Robitzski | Apr 14, 2022 | 7 min read
Observational evidence for the connection is solidifying, and some clues are emerging about the mechanisms that may explain it.
Illustration of neurons in white with myelin in blue
Repurposed Drug Reverses Signs of Alzheimer’s in Mice, Human Cells
Jef Akst | Oct 12, 2021 | 2 min read
Researchers say they hope to launch a clinical trial to test bumetanide, a diuretic approved in 2002, but how it might improve neural functioning is unclear.
Colored artistic rendition of neurons and plaque buildup
Alzheimer’s Risk Gene Paradoxically Protects Against Memory Loss
Chloe Tenn | Oct 8, 2021 | 2 min read
A new study links a variant of the apolipoprotein E gene called APOE ε4 to better memory in older age, even in the presence of amyloid plaques—a possible explanation for the variant’s persistence despite its association with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Gene Linked to Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19
Jef Akst | May 26, 2020 | 2 min read
Two copies of the APOE4 variant, which confers a higher risk of dementia, doubles the risk of severe symptoms as a result of infection with SARS-CoV-2, according to a study.
Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Linked to Highly Active Brains
Diana Kwon | Oct 1, 2019 | 5 min read
A growing body of evidence supports the theory that neural hyperactivity and hyperconnectivity precede the pathological changes that lead to neurodegeneration.
Alzheimer’s Gene Affects Energy Consumption in Mouse Brains
Sukanya Charuchandra | Oct 1, 2018 | 2 min read
One variant limited the brain’s ability to use glucose.
Fingerprints of Ongoing Human Evolution Found
Shawna Williams | Sep 5, 2017 | 4 min read
Genetic variants in Alzheimer’s- and smoking-related genes appear to be under selection pressure, according to a study comparing the genomes of old and young participants.
Influential Alzheimer’s Researcher Dies
Jef Akst | Oct 6, 2016 | 2 min read
Allen Roses, a professor of neurobiology at Duke University School of Medicine, has passed away at age 73.
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