Study reveals hidden gene mutation that doubles dementia risk in men over 70

A recent study suggests that a hidden genetic mutation may indicate a man’s susceptibility to developing dementia.

Researchers from Monash and Curtin Universities in Australia examined medical records of thousands of individuals in Australia and the United States.

Men with a specific variant in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene, which regulates iron levels in the body, were found to have a higher risk of dementia.

Individuals over the age of 70 who were previously healthy and had two copies of the variant, known as H63D, were at least two to four times more likely to develop dementia.

Having only one copy of the variant did not increase the risk.

Approximately one in 36 men carry two copies of the mutation, while one in three have a single copy.

“It is only men who have two copies of the variant that are at risk,” said study co-author Professor John Olynyk from the Curtin Medical School. “Women are not affected by the abnormality – we do not know why that is at the current point in time.”

The study, published in the journal Neurology, utilized data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, which collected health and aging information for 19,114 healthy older adults.

Individuals with the genetic variant cannot change it, but there may be potential treatments to address the “brain pathways” affected by it, as noted by Olynyk.

“It is only men who have two copies of the variant that are at risk,” one of the researchers told Fox News Digital. Women are not affected. (iStock)

“The HFE gene is typically screened for in most Western countries when evaluating individuals for haemochromatosis, a condition that causes excessive iron absorption,” explained the doctor. “Our findings suggest that perhaps this screening could be more widely offered to men.”

Despite the gene’s role in regulating iron levels, the researchers did not find a direct link between iron levels and dementia risk.

“Our findings suggest that perhaps this screening could be more widely offered to men.”

“This suggests the involvement of other mechanisms, potentially related to increased risk of brain injury from inflammation and cellular damage in the body,” added Olynyk.

Further research is required to understand why the heightened risk is specific to men and not observed in women.

“Understanding the mechanisms by which this anomaly leads to dementia could lead to personalized approaches for prevention and treatment,” emphasized co-author Professor Paul Lacaze from Monash University in a press release.

Olynyk mentioned that a primary limitation of the study was the predominance of Australian participants, indicating a need for replication in other populations.

Previously healthy men over age 70 who have two copies of the variant, which is known as H63D, are at least twice — or up to four times — as likely to develop dementia. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

“It is only men who have two copies of the variant that are at risk,” said one of the researchers. Women are not affected.

“Additional studies will be conducted to identify the potential mechanism through which this anomaly contributes to dementia and ways to mitigate its impact,” Olynyk stated.

While numerous genetic and environmental factors can influence dementia risk, Olynyk recommended adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk.

To reduce risk, the researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, minimizing alcohol intake and remaining mentally active. (iStock)

To minimize the risk of dementia, experts suggest maintaining a healthy lifestyle by regularly exercising, consuming a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, staying mentally active, and seeking medical attention for any conditions that may increase dementia risk.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and Fiona Stanley Hospital were also involved in the study.