A genetic cause of Alzheimer disease: mechanistic insights from Down syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Down syndrome, which arises in individuals carrying an extra copy of chromosome 21, is associated with a greatly increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer disease. It is thought that this risk is conferred by the presence of three copies of the gene encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP)--an Alzheimer disease risk factor--although the possession of extra copies of other chromosome 21 genes may also play a part. Further study of the mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer disease in people with Down syndrome could provide insights into the mechanisms that cause dementia in the general population.

SUBMITTER: Wiseman FK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4678594 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature