Obesity related FTO gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

By Candy Lashkari

If you are an American of European origin and carry the FTO gene which causes obesity, you have a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles claimed that 'A commonly carried allele of the obesity-related FTO gene is associated with reduced brain volume in healthy elderly'.

Dr Susanne Sorensen who is the Head of Research of the Alzheimer's Society reacted to the study in a comment on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society. 'We've known for some time that there's a link between obesity in mid life and the development of Alzheimer's disease. However this study suggests that healthy people who carry a specific DNA sequence associated with obesity could be at a greater risk of developing dementia.”

“A reduction in people's brain tissue was observed but this wasn't linked to other obesity-related factors such as cholesterol levels, diabetes or high blood pressure. This is a relatively small study but the findings support the need for more research. One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years but dementia research is desperately under-funded, however with the right investment, it can be defeated.”

The study was based on 200 healthy elderly people. The scientists generated three dimensional maps of the brains of the subjects and found patterns of diminished brain volume in people with a specific DNA sequence. This was the DNA sequence which housed the fat mass and obesity associated gene or FTO.

The study is part of an ongoing effort to make genetic mapping more useful in health prediction enabling modern medicine to become more effective. As per Paul Thompson who is a Professor of Neurology at the University of California this is the first time that such a gene defect has been recorded in a large number of people.

"The results are curious. If you have the bad FTO gene, your weight affects your brain adversely in terms of tissue loss. If you don't carry this gene, higher body weight doesn't translate into brain defects", said Thompson.

Monica Alvarado, the Genetic Services Administrator in the Southern California region felt that it was important to have these tests done along with counseling. The counseling should be done before, during and after the tests so that the person is made fully aware of the problem and the options he has.

As of now there seems not much that modern medicine can do to help reduce the risk.