About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Maternal History of Alzheimer's Puts Children at Risk

by Rajashri on August 2, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Font : A-A+

 Maternal History of Alzheimer's Puts Children at Risk

A new study says that people who have a maternal history of Alzheimer's disease, are predisposed to the neurodegenerative disease.

The study led by Lisa Mosconi, Ph.D., research assistant professor of psychiatry at the Center for Brain Health at NYU Langone Medical Center, supports an earlier research of 49 people.

Advertisement

In that study, they found reductions in glucose brain metabolism among individuals with a maternal history of the disease, but not among those with a paternal history or with neither parent affected.

"Our new study shows that subjects with a mother with Alzheimer's show similarities with Alzheimer's patients. They have metabolic reductions in the brain regions that are typically affected by AD, which worsen over time," said Mosconi.
Advertisement

Using PET scans and a technique that labels glucose with a chemical tracer (FDG-PET) over a two-year period, the researchers studied glucose metabolism in the brain of 66 cognitively normal individuals, from 50 to 82 years old.

Twenty subjects were found to have mothers with the disease, and nine had fathers with Alzheimer's. The rest had no family history of the disease.

Individuals with a maternal history of the disease had progressive metabolic reductions in glucose usage, and at a much faster rate, in areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease than subjects with a paternal history or no parent with the disease.

Mosconi, however, said that it's not known why people with a maternal history would be at greater risk. Rare genetic mutations are responsible for the early-onset form of familial Alzheimer's, but people with a family history of late-onset disease (after age 55) don't carry any known genes.

The study was presented at the Alzheimer's Association 2008 International Alzheimer's Disease Conference held in Chicago.

Source: ANI
RAS/L
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Genetics & Stem Cells News

A Ray of Hope: Adrenal Hyperplasia may Get a Cure Soon
Scientists have developed the first humanized mouse model for a rare hereditary condition.
Placenta Joins the Brain in Determining Genetic Risk of Schizophrenia
A recent study discovered that the placenta, rather than only the brain, is crucial in determining the genetic risk of schizophrenia.
Scientists Discover Gene Responsible for Severe Facial Defects
FOXI3 gene was found to be involved in Goldenhar syndrome, one form of developmental disorder, revealed research.
Beyond the Blueprint: Understanding the Role of Epigenetics
Contrary to previous beliefs, genes may not be fixed and can be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices, according to modern scientific research.
Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Inherited Eye Disease Trials
Gene therapy successfully tested on dogs with inherited eye disease is now poised for clinical use in humans.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Maternal History of Alzheimer's Puts Children at Risk Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests