Research finds genetic link between Alzheimer’s and heart disease

Researchers say a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer’s disease and several coronary artery diseases could offer opportunities for healthcare practitioners to improve patient outcomes.
 
The study, from Edith Cowen University’s Centre for Precision Health, found 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.
 
The researchers found through their analysis ‘a significant and positive global genetic correlation’ between Alzheimer’s disease and three lipid traits: LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
 
‘These correlations suggest that, at the least, a proportion of individuals with a genetic predisposition to elevated levels of the lipids may have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease,’ the study states.
 
This means, the study suggests, that some of the same genes play a role or are associated with both conditions.
 
Lead researcher Artika Kirby is optimistic these findings will open ‘new avenues of research that have the potential to enhance the lives of millions, worldwide’.
 
‘There is considerable evidence from observational and other studies to support a connection between these conditions, however the intricate biological mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and coronary artery disease traits remains unresolved,’ she said.
 
‘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.’
 
GP and honorary medical advisor for Dementia Australia, Dr Marita Long, welcomed the findings but said they did not surprise her as both coronary artery disease and Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia ‘share very similar risk factors’.
 
‘We can see a mixed pathology for dementia of both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia as cause of the symptoms,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘Of course, the more we understand about the genetics and biological origins the more we can target prevention and treatment.’
 
Dr Long said it was vital in general practice to work on addressing the modifiable risk factors for both heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease but there could be more done to better assess brain health.
 
‘We are fortunate to have a Medicare item number for heart health checks and a cardiovascular risk assessment tool built into our software – we don’t have that for brain health,’ she said.
 
‘But we can address this opportunistically by making use of the 45–49 health assessment, and the annual health assessments for over 75s and those available for more vulnerable groups.
 
‘We now know that there is evidence for 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia that can prevent or delay the onset of 45% cases of dementia globally, so we can get great bang for buck by promoting brain health at any age but especially in midlife.’
 
Dr Long says she incorporates a dementia risk assessment tool for those over 18 years old to assess risks.
 
Researchers say there may be more to link these conditions than just their association with poor health outcomes.
 
They now hope their findings can one day be translated into improvements in patient care and outcomes for these two leading health issues.
 
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Alzheimer’s disease cardiovascular disease dementia dementia risk heart disease