A major Alzheimer’s risk gene may shrink brain cells years before symptoms
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that the APOE4 gene variant, a major Alzheimer's risk factor, alters brain activity years before symptoms appear. In a study published in Nature Aging, they discovered that increased Nell2 protein production led to smaller, hyperactive neurons in mice, predicting later memory issues. Reducing Nell2 levels reversed these changes, suggesting potential therapies targeting this protein could benefit at-risk individuals.