Alzheimer's risk gene APOE4 shrinks neurons years before symptoms appear

Scientists have found that the Alzheimer's risk gene APOE4 raises levels of a protein called Nell2, which shrinks neurons and causes abnormal hyperactivity in memory circuits long before symptoms emerge. In mice, this early hyperactivity predicted worse memory later in life. Reducing Nell2 in adult mice reversed the abnormal changes, raising hopes for interventions before the disease progresses.

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