A significant genetic connection has been discovered between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and several coronary artery diseases (CAD) that are related to disorders and lipid classes. The discovery was made by researchers at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU’s) Centre for Precision Health and their findings have been published in the International Journal of Molecular Science.
Several heart disease-related factors like angina, arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease as well as lipids like cholesterol, triglycerides and both high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) could share similar biological origins with Alzheimer’s disease, according to this study. What this means is that some of the same genes played a role in or are associated with these conditions.
Investigating the connection
“There is considerable evidence from observational and other studies to support a connection between these conditions, however the intricate biological mechanisms of AD are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and CAD traits remains unresolved,” said lead researcher and Centre for Precision Health PhD candidate Ms. Artika Kirby. “Our study employed a genetic approach to investigate the intricate relationships of these comorbid conditions, providing new insights into their shared biological underpinnings of these conditions. I am optimistic that our findings open new avenues of research that have the potential to enhance the lives of millions, worldwide.”
“The Centre for Precision Health’s use of advanced statistical genetics approaches is significantly contributing to our understanding of the relationships across many of today’s major health conditions — this study emphasises the strength of this approach,” said Professor Simon Laws, Director of the Centre for Precision Health and co-supervisor of the study.
More than just an association with poor health outcomes
Emerging evidence is increasingly linking CAD with cognitive impairment and the risk of dementia; with research suggesting that those with CAD can experience an accelerated cognitive decline following diagnosis, and those with CAD have a 26% higher relative risk of dementia. However, relationships and underpinning mechanisms for CAD’s association with AD and cognitive impairment are not fully understood.
It is possible that the connection between CAD and AD may partly reflect shared risk factors such as dyslipidemia and inflammation. Additionally, lipid disorders and CAD considerably impact human health which is recognized as a substantial risk factor for AD, just as a relationship between CAD and AD has been reported. Not to mention that there is also the potential for shared genetic predispositions across all of these factors.
Novel insights could translate to improving care and outcomes
“By applying genetic approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between AD and Coronary Heart disease — the two leading causes of death in Australia — we have uncovered novel insights into the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions,” said NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and project co-supervisor Dr. Emmanuel Adewuyi. “These insights could translate into improvements in patient care and outcomes for these two leading health issues — not only in Australia but around the world.”
Unsettling statistics
Coronary artery (heart disease) and dementia (caused by AD) are two of the leading underlying causes of death in Australians, with dementia being responsible for 15,800 deaths in 2021 and CAD being responsible for 17,300 deaths in 2021. But these are not just a threat in Australia, they also represent significant global health concerns.
In 2022, cardiovascular diseases, including CAD, were responsible for approximately 19.8 million deaths worldwide. In the United States, CAD is a leading cause of death, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is also a major cause of global mortality. In 2019, dementia was responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths worldwide. In America, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, was responsible for over 120,000 deaths in 2022.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168814
