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Hypertension, Markers of Inflammation In the Blood More Common in Offspring of Parents With AD

CHICAGO -- November 2, 2009 -- High blood pressure, evidence of arterial disease, and markers of inflammation in the blood in middle age appear more common in individuals whose parents have Alzheimer's disease than in individuals without a parental history of the condition, according to a study published in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

Previous twin studies estimate that as much as 60% of the risk for Alzheimer's disease is under genetic control, according to background information in the article. Other research has identified several vascular and inflammatory risk factors in midlife that may be associated with the later transition into cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease.

Eric van Exel, MD, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues compared some of these vascular and inflammatory factors, such as high blood pressure and levels of cytokines in the blood, between 206 offspring of 92 families with a history of Alzheimer's disease and 200 offspring of 97 families without a parental history.

Researchers measured blood pressure; obtained blood samples to assess genetic characteristics and levels of cholesterol, along with cytokines and other inflammation-related substances; and collected sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and information about diet, exercise, and stress levels.

More individuals whose parents had Alzheimer's disease carried the APOE gene, known to be associated with the condition, than did those with no family history (47% vs 21%). In addition, those with a family history had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, a lower ankle brachial index, and higher levels of several different pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood cholesterol and glucose levels were not associated with parental Alzheimer's disease. These other components may not be as closely linked to cognitive decline, the authors wrote.

"Our study shows that high blood pressure and an innate pro-inflammatory cytokine response in middle age significantly contribute to Alzheimer's disease," they continued.

"As these risk factors cluster in families, it is important to realize that early interventions could prevent late-onset Alzheimer's disease. One could argue for a high-risk–prevention strategy by identifying the offspring of patients with Alzheimer's disease, screening them for hypertension and vascular factors and implementing various (non)pharmacological health measures."

SOURCE: Archives of General Psychiatry

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