Gene APOE: The Genetic Link Between Delirium and Alzheimer's Unveiled

New research uncovers a direct connection between the APOE gene and delirium, offering crucial insights into its genetic basis. The study discovered that the gene plays a unique role in delirium risk, distinct from its link to Alzheimer's disease, and identified proteins that may predict delirium years before symptoms appear.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified a direct link between the APOE gene and the susceptibility to delirium. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the genetic foundations of the condition, which affects many hospitalized patients.

The gene, already associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's, has now been shown to independently influence the likelihood of experiencing delirium, said experts from the University of Edinburgh. Importantly, this relationship persists even when accounting for dementia, suggesting a distinct genetic pathway.

The research, published in Nature Ageing, analyzed data from over a million individuals, revealing biomarkers that could predict delirium years before onset. These findings not only deepen our understanding of delirium but also shed light on its connection to cognitive decline.

(With inputs from agencies.)