Study Suggests Genetics as a Cause, Not Just a Risk, for Some Alzheimer’s
New York TimesAPR 2024
Study: APOE4 Homozygosity 'Almost Guaranteed' to Cause Alzheimer's
Image copyright: Mikael Häggström, M.D. via Wikimedia Commons
The Spin
Narrative A
While frightening on the surface, this news is a boon to Alzheimer's researchers' efforts to find a cure. The identification of APOE4 as a singular cause of the disease in some individuals will unlock new treatments and spur research toward some of the most serious manifestations of the disease, such as early-onset Alzheimer's.
Narrative B
While this is promising research, we can't rely on genetics to solve the disease. Researchers are strongly warning people against APOE4 testing, as the fatalism could cause despair in patients. The scientific community should focus on proven, non-invasive lifestyle treatments, including diet and exercise.