Young & hot Australian model Krystal Forscutt

 

Krystal Forscutt (born on July 12, 1986) is an Australian model and reality TV contestant

Combination of Gene Variants Could Reduce Risks of Alzheimer’s

Having two copies of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) variant, rather than the normal versions of the genes, may lead to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The gene variants have already been linked to promoting a healthy heart, but they may also prevent memory loss.

With over 26 million people around the globe suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the leading cause of dementia, there is continuous research to try and determine the cause of the memory debilitating disease, effective treatments, and preventative measures. Dr. Richard Lipton of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in New York recently released a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association where they looked for genes that protected against Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to genes that would promote healthy brain function throughout the aging process.

Dr. Lipton based his study on data gathered during the 2003 Einstein Aging Study which involved elderly Bronx residents. For Lipton’s research, data was gathered from 523 individuals over 70 years old, for an average of four years. Blood samples of the participants were evaluated to determine if they carried the CETP gene variant and their mental capabilities were evaluated annually. Lipton said, “We found in people who carry the longevity variant of CETP, there were 70 percent reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and the rate of annual decline on tests of memory was much lower.” The study found that participants who carried both copies of the gene variant endured aging memory loss at a rate half of those that carried normal versions of the genes.

Currently Merck & Co. and Roche Holdings AG are working to develop medications called CETP inhibitors, which would take on the same role as the gene variations Dr. Lipton’s study involved. However, currently the companies are focused on the CETP gene as a way to raise good cholesterol levels. Dr. Lipton said their findings “may point the way to a new therapeutic avenue for preventing Alzheimer’s disease or promoting successful brain aging.” He added, “These same drugs that have been developed to treat cholesterol may have promise as treatments for Alzheimer’s.”