They have found that in Puerto Rico, people have a higher propensity for the disease and part of the reason could be a genetic variant they have uncovered.
It was more than three decades ago when Alzheimer’s genetic research pioneer Margaret Pericak-Vance was at Duke University that she began trying to involve more diverse populations in research.At the time, most genetic-based studies of Alzheimer’s were being conducted in non-Hispanic white populations of European ancestry, with communities of Hispanic and African ancestries largely ignored.
Their research is helping fill a major gap in minority research and could play a significant role with Alzheimer’s drug development. A variant of the APOE gene, the APOE4, is considered the most significant genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer’s, and most of the studies initially only included people with European ancestry.
Dr. Katrina Celis, an associate scientist at the Hussman Institute who is studying Alzheimer's in Hispanic populations, has spent the past 13 years focusing on genetic research. Feliciano-Astacio said the island’s aging population is struggling because many younger Puerto Ricans have left due to the economic situation.
“We are the first group that identified that this variant actually occurs in African ancestry,” Celis said about the variant on chromosome 14.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Latino authors’ stellar year and what's to comeThe publishing boom for diverse authors comes after decades of writers being told by largely white publishers their stories were 'unmarketable,' novelist Angie Cruz tells Axios Latino.
Weiterlesen »
No evidence found so far of anti-Latino bias in municipal court scheduling, N.J. judiciary saysA judge in Millville alleged Latino defendants were being told to appear at municipal court hearings in person, while others were given the option of appearing for virtual sessions.
Weiterlesen »
Lawmakers join call for civil rights probe of anti-Latino bias claim in N.J. municipal courtA municipal court judge in Millville claimed earlier this month that Latino defendants in the court were not given the option of appearing for virtual hearings. Judiciary officials say they have found no evidence of bias so far.
Weiterlesen »
Congress reaches deal to keep Puerto Rico's Medicaid program fundedMembers of Congress reach deal to fund Puerto Rico’s Medicaid program in a way that prevents it from running out of federal money by the end of the year and ensures stable funding for the next five years.
Weiterlesen »
Congress Secures Funding for Puerto Rico’s Medicaid ProgramPuerto Rico’s Medicaid program will stay afloat after Congress reached a deal on Tuesday that would grant it more than $17.6 billion in funding over the next five years, NBC News reported.
Weiterlesen »