Growing suspicions about links between coronary artery disease (CAD) and Alzheimer’s have been confirmed by a new study that found a significant relationship between the neurodegenerative condition, blood fats and seven characteristics of heart disease.
Further investigations have identified genetic links between these traits, highlighting potential targets for further investigation into the origins of both pathologies.
The research team, from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia, analyzed large sets of genetic data to look for common genes or genetic variations that could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, CAD and concentrations of triglycerides and lipoproteins – fats that have been involved in the development as well as heart disease.
Observational evidence of links between Alzheimer’s disease and CAD has suggested that the two conditions may have a deeper cause. By including lipids in this latest investigation, the team hoped to gain a more detailed picture of how heart health and brain health are linked.
“There is considerable evidence from observational and other studies to support a link between these conditions,” says lead author Artika Kirby, a bioinformatician at ECU.
Investigations have identified genetic links
“However, the complex biological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and CAD traits remains unresolved.”
The results of the statistical analysis suggest that certain common genes play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, in features of heart disease such as angina and heart attacks, and in increased serum concentrations of lipids, including triglycerides.
However, the data do not support a causal link—that the genetic factors underlying Alzheimer’s disease also cause heart disease or vice versa. What it shows is that these shared genes could increase the risk of both types of disease, he writes.
The complex biological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease
This means we now have several new biological pathways to investigate when it comes to understanding the root causes of both Alzheimer’s and heart disease – adding to what we know about issues like inflammation in the body, which is associated with both Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.
About 139 million people worldwide are expected to by 2050.
By identifying key genetic factors, including the increased risk that results from having two copies of the APOE4 gene, researchers hope to improve current diagnostic methods.
Identifying additional triggers for Alzheimer’s — and heart disease — may point to ways to prevent both diseases.
The research was published in
