Researchers from Colombia have identified a genetic variation that significantly reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to their findings, the likelihood of dementia decreases by 70%.
In a study published in the scientific journal Acta Neuropathologica, it is noted that the protective variant of the fibronectin 1 (FN1) gene helps remove toxic forms of amyloid from the human brain through the blood-brain barrier. The presence of amyloids signals the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, but its symptoms manifest as a result of subsequent changes occurring after the accumulation of amyloid in the brain.
Fibronectin is a key component of the blood-brain barrier, controlling the movement of substances into and out of the brain. In individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the production of fibronectin increases. The new genetic variation encoding fibronectin helps prevent excessive accumulation of this component.
The study showed that reducing the level of fibronectin in animals contributes to more effective removal of amyloid and reduces other damages caused by dementia.
Scientists noted that therapy targeting fibronectin and emulating the protective effect of the identified genetic variant should help halt the progression of this dangerous disease.
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