Genes known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's may actually be an inherited form of the disorder, researchers say

Alzheimer’s disease may have a higher inherited prevalence than previously known, based on a recent study. Researchers suggest that the APOE4 gene, previously recognized as a risk factor, should be considered an inherited form of the disease. This gene is associated with the development of beta amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. The study compared individuals with two copies of the APOE4 gene to those with other forms of the APOE gene and found that the former group had a significantly higher probability of developing Alzheimer’s. The findings could impact testing and treatment approaches for the disease.