Researchers at Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) Centre for Precision Health have discovered a significant genetic link between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and several coronary artery disease (CAD)-related disorders and lipid classes, opening up opportunities to improve health outcomes in two of Australia’s leading causes of death.
According to new research, several heart disease-related factors such as angina, arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease, as well as lipids such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and both high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), may have biological origins similar to Alzheimer’s.
This suggests that some of the same genes were involved in or are connected with these illnesses.
Our study employed a genetic approach to investigate the intricate relationships of these comorbid conditions, providing new insights into their shared biological underpinnings of these conditions.
Ms Artika Kirby
“There is considerable evidence from observational and other studies to support a connection between these conditions, however the intricate biological mechanisms of AD are poorly understood, and its relationship with lipids and CAD traits remains unresolved.” lead researcher and Centre for Precision Health PhD candidate Ms Artika Kirby said.
“Our study employed a genetic approach to investigate the intricate relationships of these comorbid conditions, providing new insights into their shared biological underpinnings of these conditions. I am optimistic that our findings open new avenues of research that have the potential to enhance the lives of millions, worldwide.”
“The Centre for Precision Health’s use of advanced statistical genetics approaches is significantly contributing to our understanding of the relationships across many of today’s major health conditions — this study emphasises the strength of this approach,” Professor Simon Laws, Director of the Centre for Precision Health and co-supervisor of the study, remarked.
The two largest underlying causes of death in Australians are dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause, and coronary artery or heart disease. Researchers believe there may be more to these diseases than merely their relationship with poor health outcomes.
CAD is increasingly linked to cognitive impairment and the risk of dementia, with data indicating that individuals with CAD experience faster cognitive decline after diagnosis, and CAD patients have a 26% higher relative risk of dementia. However, the nature of the link and the underlying processes for CAD’s association with AD and cognitive impairment are unknown.
The connection between CAD and AD may partly reflect shared risk factors such as dyslipidaemia and inflammation. Lipid disorders and CAD considerably impact human health and are recognised as a substantial risk factor for AD, just as a relationship between CAD and AD has been reported. There is also the potential for shared genetic predispositions across all of these factors.
“By applying genetic approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between AD and Coronary Heart disease — the two leading causes of death in Australia — we have uncovered novel insights into the underlying mechanisms linking these conditions,” NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and project co-supervisor Dr. Emmanuel Adewuyi added.
“These insights could translate into improvements in patient care and outcomes for these two leading health issues — not only in Australia but around the world.”
