Alzheimer's disease: epidemiology, genetics, and beyond.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasing epidemic threatening public health. Both men and women are susceptible to the disease although women are at a slightly higher risk. The prevalence of AD rises exponentially in elderly people from 1% at age of 65 to approximately 40%-50% by the age of 95. While the cause of the disease has not been fully understood, genetics plays a role in the onset of the disease. Mutations in three genes (APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2) have been found to cause AD and APOE4 allele increases the risk of the disease. As human genomic research progresses, more genes have been identified and linked with AD. Genetic screening tests for persons at high risk of AD are currently available and may help them as well as their families better prepare for a later life with AD.
Wang
Xiao-Ping
XP
Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200080, China.
Ding
Hong-Liu
HL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D053763:Presenilins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors
D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D053763:Presenilins