Genetic factor doubles risk of dementia in men
New research shows that men with two copies of the H63D gene variant have more than twice the risk of developing dementia than women. The findings come from the ASPREE study, which looked at the genes and health of older people. The researchers say that while the gene cannot be changed, understanding how it works could help with future prevention and treatment.
A new study published in Neurology found that men with two copies of the H63D genetic variant, associated with the hemochromatosis (HFE) gene, have more than twice the risk of developing dementia during their lifetime. This variant is responsible for regulating iron levels in the body.
Having two copies of the variant more than doubles the risk of dementia in men, but not in women, says Professor John Olynyk of Curtin Medical School.
The analysis comes from the large ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study, which included more than 19,000 older people in Australia and the U.S. The study was double-blind and focused on daily low-dose aspirin use, but the data collection has created a rich database of information on healthy aging that allows for additional analyses, such as the current genetic study.
Although the HFE gene is crucial for iron control, researchers have not found a direct link between iron levels and dementia.
- This points to other mechanisms, which may include an increased risk of brain damage due to inflammation and cell damage, explains Professor Olynyk.
The researchers emphasize that understanding how this gene influences the development of dementia could lead to personalized methods of prevention and treatment.
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