A genetic key to cognition, uniquely held in India
A new study published in *Alzheimer’s & Dementia* has identified genetic variants that are enriched in the Indian population and are significantly associated with cognitive function. Researchers analyzed 3.43 million variants in 2,680 older Indian adults, finding links to genes involved in neuropsychiatric traits, synaptic function, and cardiovascular risk factors for dementia. Notably, some of these genetic associations exhibited sex-specific effects, suggesting a complex interplay between ancestry, genetics, and cognitive health that has been largely unexplored in South Asian populations.
Why it might matter to you:
This research directly addresses a critical gap in the understanding of genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairment in non-European populations. For neurologists and researchers focused on global brain health, these findings underscore the necessity of diverse genetic databases to uncover population-specific pathways to dementia. It challenges the universality of current risk models and highlights the potential for precision medicine approaches tailored to distinct ancestral backgrounds.
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