The transfer of the hidden gene doubles the risk of dementia in men over 70

A hidden genetic mutation could predict the probability of a man to develop dementia.

It is according to an Australian study led by the universities of Monash and Curtin, which analyzed the medical data of thousands of Australians and Americans.

The men who had a certain variant in the hemochromatosis (HFE) – which regulates iron levels in the body – have proven to be a higher risk of dementia, revealed the researchers.

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Men previously in good health over 70 years old who have two copies of the variant, known as H63D, are at least twice – or up to four times – as likely to develop dementia.

Having only one copy does not seem to raise the risk.

A hidden genetic mutation could predict the probability of a man to develop dementia, according to a new study. (istock)

One in 36 man has two copies of the mutation; One in three has only one copy.

“These are only men who have two copies of the variant that are at risk,” the Curtin Medical School’s Curtin Medical School. “Women are not affected by the anomaly – we don’t know why this is aware of it.”

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The study, which was published in the Revue Neurology, used aspirin data in the reduction of elderly trial events (aspree), which collected data on health and aging for 19,114 elderly healthy people.

Those who have the genetic variant cannot change it, but it is possible that the “brainways” which it affects can be treated, noted Olynyk.

“These are only men who have two copies of the variant that are in danger,” one of the researchers told Fox News Digital. Women are not affected. (istock)

“The HFE gene is systematically tested in most Western countries … When evaluating people for hemochromatosis, a disorder that has the body absorbed,” said the doctor. “Our results suggest that this test may be offered to men more broadly.”

Despite the fact that the HFE gene is responsible for controlling iron levels, the team found no direct link between iron and the risk of dementia.

“Our results suggest that this test may be offered to men more broadly.”

“This indicates other mechanisms at stake, perhaps involving the increased risk of brain damage to inflammation and cell damage in the body,” added Olynyk.

Additional research is necessary to determine why the increased risk has not been observed in women.

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“Understanding why men with the H63D double variant are more at risk could open the way for more personalized approaches to prevention and treatment,” added the co-author, Professor Paul Lacaze of Monash University in a press release.

According to Olynyk, the main limitation of the study was that the study population was largely made up of Australians.

Men previously in good health over 70 years old who have two copies of the variant, known as H63D, are at least twice – or up to four times – as likely to develop dementia. (Kurt “Cyberguy” KTUSSON)

“It is not clear if other populations have the same effects,” he told Fox News Digital. “Our work should be repeated in different countries to assess this.”

“Additional research will be undertaken to try to determine the probable mechanism by which this anomaly causes dementia and what we can do to reduce its impact.”

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Beyond this specific mutation, many other genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the risk of dementia, noted Olynyk.

“Although genetic risk factors cannot be modified, the mechanisms by which these genetic anomalies and environmental factors cause diseases may well be modifiable to a certain extent, by adopting a healthy lifestyle and being proactive as to maintaining a good global state of health,” he said.

To reduce the risks, researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise regularly, nutritional diet, minimization of alcohol intake and remaining mentally active. (istock)

To reduce the risks, researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise regularly, eating a nutritious diet, minimizing alcohol intake, remaining mentally active and seeing a doctor to solve any known medical problem to increase the probability of dementia.

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The University of Melbourne, the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Fiona Stanley Hospital also contributed to the study.