Scientists have established that the gene involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease can accelerate the onset of old age in its owners, according to an online edition for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Researchers found a relationship between changes in cells inherent in aging, and the presence of a special variant of this gene - E4 (APOE4). It occurs in every fourth person, and increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, as well as memory disorders after traumatic brain injuries or in the pathology of the cerebral vessels. Scientists sought an explanation for the fact that some people keep a clear mind to a very old age, while in others, mental faculties fall or develop dementia (senile senility). In the medical center of the University of North Carolina (USA), scientists have established that the carriers of the APOE4 gene grow older faster than those who do not have this gene.

Lead researcher Dr. Murali Doraiswamy told the BBC that "the earliest and persistent signs of aging appear in the frontal regions of the brain". "In principle, any symptom of a decrease in mental abilities with age is somehow connected with impairments in the frontal lobes," commented Dr. Dorayswami. All those examined with the APOE4 gene showed an accelerated deterioration in the functions of nerve cells. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to detect various changes in particular sets of genes. In addition, the level of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a substance that plays an important role in the functioning of nerve cells. The study involved 165 people with average health indicators, age from 55 to 85 years.

They were divided into two groups on the basis of the presence of the APOE4 gene. In both groups, test memory studies were performed, as well as measuring the level of NAA. Two years later the study was repeated. It was found that a lower level of NAA corresponded to a greater loss of short-term memory detected by testing. The results of the study were presented at the 15th Annual Meeting of the American Association of SEN Psychiatry in Orlando, Florida,.

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