Researchers at Columbia University have identified the biological mechanism behind a rare genetic defence that appears to protect some carriers of the strongest common Alzheimer's risk gene from ever developing the disease. The findings, published in Nature Aging, show how a protein called fibronectin can damage the brain's protective blood-brain barrier, and point to ways of recreating the natural protection seen in APOE ε4 carriers who remain mentally sharp into their 80s.
organisation
Columbia University
US research university