Uncovering Resilience in the Face of Alzheimer’s
A recent NIH-funded case study published in Nature Medicine has revealed groundbreaking findings regarding extreme resilience to a rare genetic form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Biomedical breakthroughs often require extensive research with large sample sizes. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates how studying remarkable individuals can lead to fascinating discoveries with far-reaching implications. The report highlights the second person in the world known to possess this exceptional resilience, following a similar case in 2019.
Rare Genetic Variant and Cognitive Resilience
The findings shed light on the series of steps that may contribute to Alzheimer’s and its associated dementia, providing new insights into potential treatment targets and cognitive resilience. These discoveries challenge the conventional understanding that Alzheimer’s progression is inevitable in individuals with a strong genetic predisposition.
The Study and its Findings
The study, led by a team of researchers from various institutions, focuses on a well-studied extended family from Colombia. This family, known as the Paisa kindred, has the largest documented genetic variant called the “Paisa” mutation.
This variant exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The variant leads to the development of mild cognitive impairment around the age of 44, followed by full-blown dementia around 50. However, the individual in this case study demonstrated delayed cognitive decline, raising questions about the factors contributing to his resilience.
The Role of the Reelin-COLBOS Gene Variant
Through careful examination of the individual’s genome, researchers identified a newly discovered gene variant called Reelin-COLBOS. This variant, shared by the individual and his sister, is known to encode a protein that regulates the chemical modification of tau proteins.
Tau proteins are responsible for the formation of tangles in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s and memory loss. The study suggests that the Reelin pathway, along with the APOE gene, plays a crucial role in Alzheimer’s pathology and protection.
Neuroimaging Exams and Brain Regions
Neuroimaging exams conducted at age 73 revealed additional insights about the individual. Various brain regions showed extensive amyloid plaques and tau tangles, but the entorhinal cortex had minimal tau tangles.
The entorhinal cortex, responsible for memory, navigation, and the perception of time, is frequently affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The minimal tau tangles in this region indicate its potential contribution to cognitive resilience.
Implications for Future Alzheimer’s Treatments
The findings from this case study highlight the Reelin pathway and the entorhinal cortex as promising targets for further research and the development of future Alzheimer’s treatments. Researchers are actively exploring treatment approaches inspired by the Christchurch and Reelin-COLBOS discoveries, offering hope for individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s.
Continued Study and Promising Discoveries
While there is much more to learn from ongoing studies involving these remarkable individuals and others like them, the current findings provide encouraging news for those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study serves as a reminder of the invaluable insights gained through the careful examination of exceptional cases and reinforces the significance of further investigation into genetic and environmental factors involved in Alzheimer’s resilience.
Our Services
Leveraging its expertise in genomics and advanced technologies, Claritas Genomics offers comprehensive genetic testing to provide valuable insights into the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By analyzing an individual’s genetic information, Claritas Genomics can identify specific genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s and assess the risk of developing the disease.
This information can assist in early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies for individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. With their team of skilled geneticists and scientists, Claritas Genomics continues to contribute to the field of Alzheimer’s research, helping healthcare professionals and patients alike in the fight against this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
