There has been a way to disable the gene causing dementia

US scientists claim they have a way to combat dementia - the leading dementia and premature death disease in many countries around the world.

The study has just been published by the University of California (USA). Specifically, they used a tool to modify the gene structure to disable apoE4 , the leading culprit of this dreaded dementia.

Dementia-related diseases - the most common dementia is Alzheimer's, which is the leading health threat in many countries - (photo: HUFFINGTON POST).

Many previous studies have shown that apoE4 gradually destroys nerve cells, causing serious damage to the brain of the patient. Owning a version of apoE4 has doubled the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and if you own two versions, the risk increases 12 times. Scientists also reported that about a quarter of the population carries this gene.

Scientists have used stem cells from the skin of patients with two apoE4 gene versions, ie those most at risk and create neurons. They tested genetic structural modification on these lab-grown neurons and eventually removed the signs of Alzheimer's disease.

According to researcher Yadong Huang, who led the project, within a decade many scientists around the world have tried to develop drugs to treat Alzheimer's but most have been disappointed. Many successful drugs on mice have failed clinical trials.

Learning from colleagues, Mr. Huang and his colleagues decided to create human neurons instead of experimenting with animals. They hope to conduct further clinical trials soon.

Alzheimer's is the leading premature fatal disease in the UK and second in the United States and Australia. Last month, British scientists predicted that in the next few decades, there will be a way for people with Alzheimer's to live with the disease without devastating dementia symptoms.