Research from PS

Question 1

What is the field of epigenetics?

Answer 1

. Studying how factors like the environment and lifestyle can alter a cells DNA to affect gene activity

Question 2

How does genetics tie into late-onset Alzheimer’s?

Answer 2

. Have a genetic variant of the apolipoprotein E gene on chromosome 19 increases a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s. This gene is involved in making proteins that help carry cholesterol and other types of fat in the bloodstream. Problems with the brain cells ability to process fats or lipids. A person inherits two, one from each parent.
. APOE2 is rare and has shown to provide protection from the disease, person with this gene develops Alzheimer’s later in life than someone who has an APOE4
. APOE 3 is generally neutral
. APOE 4 increases the risk of having early-onset Alzheimer’s. 25% of people carry this gene but not everyone has it.