An
article published claims there is a genetic link between childhood IQ and the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Specifically, mutations of the amyloid precursor gene which has been known to give someone a greater chance of developing Alzheimer's, is now hypothesized to affect cognitive abilities in children. This could possibly affect childhood cognitive abilities because the gene causes the buildup of senile plaques in the brain, which eventually accumulate in late adulthood and cause Alzheimer's. Therefore, these plaques, though they have not accumulated to the extent that they do in the elderly with Alzheimer's could pose some hinderance in cognitive efficiency in childhood. More research needs to be done but any conclusions from this research will help provide a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, childhood intelligence, and the link between the two.
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Alzheimers disease is so fascinating on every level. There is so much that in unknown about this disease. It is almost like maybe this one disease, may not be one disease. There is clearly a genetic factor for some forms of this disease, but others have been known to be the first in the family with it. What I have been wondering is how doctors can determine dementia from Alzheimer disease. After researching this question, I determined there really is no clear cut difference. Instead, Alzheimer is a more severe case of dementia
ReplyDeleteFor more information on Alzheimer's:
http://science.sciencemag.org/content/215/4537/1237
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048075
Alzheimer's is a very scary disease and any early signs could make prevention easier. Maybe with increased abilities of CRISPR or gene therapy, we could eliminate it before it takes hold of a patient's brain.
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