Epigenetic Breakthrough in Alzheimer's Disease Strengthens the Understanding of this Health Issue

Scientists have discovered that certain epigenetic changes in the brain greatly contribute to Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.

These changes affect the expression or activity of genes without changing the underlying workings of DNA sequences. Similarly, they are also reversible and could provide information on new target therapies for those dealing with cognitive issues.

Estimates show that more than 26 million people are affected by Alzheimer's disease. As populations age, this number is expected to increase. However, relatively little is still known about how and why the disease develops in specific regions of the brain.

For their current research, the study authors found that chemical modifications to DNA located within the ANK1 gene are strongly associated with measures of neuropathology in the brain. Furthermore, researchers also found particularly strong support in the entorhinal cortex, as well as cortical regions affected by disease. However, no significant changes were observed in less affected brain regions or blood. 

"This is the strongest evidence yet to suggest that epigenetic changes in the brain occur in Alzheimer's disease, and offers potential hope for understanding the mechanisms involved in the onset of dementia. We don't yet know why these changes occur - it's possible that they are involved in disease onset, but they may also reflect changes induced by the disease itself," said Professor Jonathan Mill, of the University of Exeter Medical School and King's College London, in a news release.

With future findings, the researchers note that they hope to learn more about the changes involved in the beginning stages of the disease and why it occurs.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Nature Neuroscience.