A recent scientific study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) has revealed a significant advance in understanding the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The study demonstrated that the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene may play a crucial role in approximately 50% of dementia cases overall, and up to 90% of Alzheimer's cases specifically. Published on January 9, 2026, in the journal npj Dementia, part of the Nature group, the study represents a significant step that could pave the way for the development of preventative or therapeutic treatments targeting this gene or its effects.
Study Details and Key Findings:
The study was led by Dylan Williams from the Department of Psychiatry at UCL, in collaboration with an international team, and was based on the analysis of genetic and health data from over 450,000 individuals. The results showed that variants in the APOE gene (particularly the e4 variant) are strongly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, to the point that most cases would not have occurred without the influence of this gene, even in the presence of other genetic or environmental factors.
Key takeaways:
- Individuals carrying the e4 variant have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to those without the variant.
- The interaction between the gene and other factors (such as social isolation, high cholesterol, or chronic inflammation) may accelerate the onset of the disease.
- The gene and its associated protein (apolipoprotein E) could represent a previously under-explored "drug target," potentially leading to the development of drugs that reduce its impact or prevent disease progression.
Importance of the discovery: Towards preventative treatments
This discovery represents a major shift in Alzheimer's research, focusing on a single gene responsible for a significant proportion of cases, rather than searching for hundreds of secondary genes. Researchers believe that targeting the effects of APOE could enable the prevention or delay of the disease in millions of people, especially given the increasing life expectancy worldwide.
Recent Complementary Discoveries in Alzheimer's
This study coincides with other recent findings that are advancing the field:
- A joint team from the University of Exeter in the UK and Banner Health in the US recently announced that indicators of Alzheimer's can be detected through a simple blood test, potentially facilitating early detection.
- Researchers at the University of Rochester in the US revealed in early January 2026 a possible role for immune cells in the brain in explaining why women are more susceptible to dementia than men.
Conclusion: New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
This study represents a significant step towards a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and suggests that targeting the APOE gene could be key to prevention or treatment in the near future. With continued progress in early diagnosis and targeted therapies, there remains hope for reducing the burden of this disease, which affects tens of millions worldwide.
