Alzheimer's scientists find new factor that increases risk of disease

New research suggests that if your mum has a history of Alzheimer's disease, you might be more likely to develop the condition. The study indicates that whether you inherit the risk of Alzheimer's from your mum or dad could influence the likelihood of changes in the brain leading to the disease.

After studying 4,400 adults aged between 65 and 85 who had memory loss and problem-solving difficulties, researchers found those with a history of Alzheimer's on their mother's side, or both parents' sides, had increased levels of proteins (amyloids) linked to Alzheimer's in the brain. This suggests that considering the parental history specific to each sex could be crucial in identifying adults at an increased risk of the condition.

Senior corresponding author Hyun-Sik Yang, a neurologist at Mass General Brigham, USA, and behavioural neurologist, said: "Our study found if participants had a family history on their mother's side, a higher amyloid level was observed."

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Mabel Seto, first author and a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Neurology at the Brigham, added: "If your father had early onset symptoms, that is associated with elevated levels in the offspring. However, it doesn't matter when your mother started developing symptoms if she did at all, it's associated with elevated amyloid."

The researchers analysed the family history of older adults from a trial aimed at Alzheimer's prevention. Participants were quizzed about the point at which their parents began experiencing memory loss, with scientists probing whether there was a formal diagnosis or autopsy confirmation of Alzheimer's disease.

The study then cross-referenced these responses with amyloid levels in asymptomatic individuals, revealing that any history of memory issues on the maternal side, and early-onset memory problems on the paternal side, correlated with higher amyloid deposits. Interestingly, the research indicated that a history of late-onset memory difficulties solely from the father's side did not link to increased amyloid levels.

Ms Seto expressed her intrigue at the study's outcomes, particularly as Alzheimer's is more commonly seen in women. She remarked: "It's really interesting from a genetic perspective to see one sex contributing something the other sex isn't."

Furthermore, Ms Seto highlighted that the results remained consistent regardless of the biological sex of the study participants. The team behind the research is now aiming to broaden their investigation to understand how parental history influences cognitive decline and amyloid buildup over time, and the reasons behind the mother's DNA being a factor.

These findings have been detailed in the Jama Neurology journal.

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