Scientists discover genetic trait that almost GUARANTEES a person will get Alzheimer's and almost 2% of people - including actor Chris Hemsworth -have it

The discovery of a specific genetic trait that significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease has been making headlines recently, with the actor Chris Hemsworth being among those identified as carrying this gene. The gene in question is called APOE4, and having two copies of it virtually guarantees that an individual will develop signs of Alzheimer's disease at some point in their life.

APOE, or Apolipoprotein E, is a protein produced in the liver that plays a role in transporting cholesterol throughout the body. There are three main variants, or alleles, of the APOE gene: E2, E3, and E4. The most common variant is E3, which is considered neutral in terms of Alzheimer's risk. However, having one copy of the E4 variant does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop Alzheimer's; it only increases their risk slightly.

The real concern arises when an individual inherits two copies of the APOE4 gene, one from each parent. This condition, known as homozygous APOE4, is much less common, affecting only about 1-2% of the population. People with this genetic makeup face a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, with up to 90% of them eventually showing signs of the condition.

The exact reason why having two copies of the APOE4 gene increases the risk of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be related to the protein's role in the brain. The APOE4 protein may interfere with the clearance of beta-amyloid, a protein fragment that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. These plaques are thought to contribute to the damage and degeneration seen in the disease.

It is important to note that having the APOE4 gene does not guarantee that an individual will develop Alzheimer's disease, as other factors, such as lifestyle, environment, and other genes, also play a role. Additionally, not everyone who carries the gene will develop symptoms in their lifetime, and some people with no known risk factors may still develop the disease.

The discovery of this genetic link to Alzheimer's disease is significant because it provides researchers with a better understanding of the underlying causes of the condition and opens up new avenues for potential treatments. However, it is essential to remember that genetics is only one piece of the puzzle, and more research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

In conclusion, the discovery that having two copies of the APOE4 gene virtually guarantees the development of Alzheimer's disease is an important finding in the field of neuroscience. This genetic trait, which affects approximately 1-2% of the population, including actor Chris Hemsworth, significantly increases the risk of developing this debilitating condition. While this discovery provides valuable insights into the causes of Alzheimer's disease, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors in the development of this condition.