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A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed the onset of Alzheimer’s could be diagnosed in someone as early as their 50s. Those who have the ApoE4 gene variation, cited as playing a role in Alzheimer’s, may or may not develop the disease but is an indication that the disease may strike sometime in the future.
The presence of E4 certainly gives the carrier’s doctor a reason to follow the patients progress.
Alzheimer’s has been considered an old persons disease, but the study confirms those in their 50s can show signs the disease is present even if they don’t struggle with memory loss.
That doesn’t mean they will show signs of Alzheimer’s or even realize they have the gene. But if they do show early signs of memory loss, tests can confirm the presence or absence of the disease by looking for this gene rather than just relying on a person’s level of memory loss.
Researchers were quick to note that just having the gene did not determine the fate of the carriers future. It was noted there are people in their 90s to 100 who have the gene but do not show any other sign of Alzheimer’s, and there are people who do not have the gene but have developed the disease.
These findings reveal there is one more marker that doctors can look for if someone has early memory problems, rather than waiting until they develop the disease before treatment begins.
It was recommended that people not have testing done to see if they have the E4 gene because having the gene does not mean they will develop Alzheimer’s. Studies reveal only one-half of all E4 gene carriers develop Alzheimer’s, and knowing they carry the gene could add pressure to their lives.
If someone does have the test at an early age, especially while they are still working, the results could cause discrimination in the work place or with obtaining insurance. Studies such as this are easily misinterpreted by those who don’t fully understand what carrying the gene means in the long run.
Although most research of this type has targeted older people, further studies are needed to follow the earlier age group. It was noted that just because someone might discover they have the gene while still in their mid-fifties, does not mean that the disease will start until many years later.
Researchers don’t want anyone to be overly concerned at the results, or feel they carry a stigma if they carry the gene. The study just shows researchers that the disease may start sooner than people are aware and prior to showing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
