Men are twice as likely to have dementia if they have this

(Dan Tri) - A recent study by Australian scientists has revealed a worrying link between a common genetic variant and the risk of dementia in men.

Men with two copies of the H63D gene variant have twice the risk of developing dementia, but not the increased risk in women with the same variant (Photo: Neuroscience News).

A groundbreaking study has revealed a remarkable link between a common gene variant and the risk of dementia in men.

This discovery not only expands our understanding of the genetic factors involved in cognitive decline, but also opens up new directions for early detection and treatment in the future.

Specifically, the interdisciplinary team focused on the H63D variant of the HFE gene – a gene that plays a key role in regulating the body’s iron absorption. This variant is particularly common, with an estimated one in three men carrying at least one copy.

However, the risk of dementia only increased significantly when a man carried both copies of the H63D variant.

“Carrying just one copy of this variant does not have a significant impact on health,” explains Professor John Olynyk from the Curtin Medical School. “But carrying two copies doubles the risk of dementia in men. Interestingly, this risk is not increased in women with the same variant.”

The HFE gene controls an essential protein that helps regulate the amount of iron in the body.

When this gene mutates, it can lead to hemochromatosis – a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron, causing it to build up and damage organs, especially the liver, heart and brain.

This condition is more common in men, as women often lose iron periodically through their menstrual cycle, which helps reduce the risk of long-term iron accumulation.

Surprisingly, the researchers found no direct link between blood iron levels and increased risk of dementia in men carrying this gene variant.

“Although the HFE gene is important in controlling iron levels in the body, we found no direct link between blood iron levels and increased risk of dementia in affected men.

This suggests that there are other complex mechanisms at play, possibly involving inflammation, cell damage or factors that directly affect the brain that are not yet well understood,” said Professor Olynyk.

Therefore, clarifying how the H63D variant affects brain function is becoming the focus of further research.

Scientists hope that pinpointing the exact mechanism of nerve damage will open up new treatment avenues to prevent or slow memory loss in people at high risk.

While changing the genetic structure is not possible at the moment, scientists are optimistic about the possibility of controlling the consequences of these variants.

“Although we cannot change genetics, if we better understand the biological pathways affected by mutations, we may be able to intervene to prevent brain damage that leads to dementia,” Professor Olynyk emphasized.

The study was published in the prestigious journal Neurology , one of the leading medical journals in neurology.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/dan-ong-co-nguy-co-mat-tri-nho-cao-gap-doi-neu-ho-so-huu-dieu-nay-20250601001135856.htm