What is the Role of Genetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Neurodegenerative diseases come in a wide range of forms, from dementia and Parkinson’s to Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease. While research is still ongoing to find cures for these conditions, there is also research on the causes of them. Of course, along this line, one of the most asked questions is the role of genetics in these diseases. Do your genetics mean you are more likely to one day get a diagnosis?
The truth is that some conditions seem to have a strong genetic component, while others are more sporadic. But for those connected to genetics, the risk, onset and progression of the disease are all impacted.
However, as you will know, it isn’t all down to your biological make-up. Epigenetics and environmental factors will also impact the risk and development of neurological conditions.
At LuxuryCare, we have a dedicated neurological nursing centre that provides expert nursing care to those with complex needs. Our bespoke care plans enhance your loved ones’ quality of life, encouraging independence while receiving the right level of medical and personal care they need.
In this blog, we discuss the role of genetics in neurodegenerative conditions.
How Can Genetics Influence Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Research suggests that Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Motor Neurone disease have a genetic predisposition, which is a key factor that increases susceptibility.
Your genes have a large impact on your brain health, not just in predisposing you to certain neurological conditions but in neurological function.
This is because they are responsible for producing proteins that regulate brain function, such as:
- Neuronal communication – ensuring proper signalling between brain cells
- Protein clearance and repair mechanisms – preventing toxic buildup of proteins like beta-amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s disease
- Mitochondrial function – maintaining cellular energy production for neuron survival
However, mutations of your genes can disrupt these processes, which leads to the gradual loss of neurons and the symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease.
The mutation of a gene classifies as a genetic predisposition, meaning you or your loved one have an increased risk of developing a neurological condition. But just because you have a predisposition doesn’t mean you are guaranteed an onset of the disease.
What Gene Mutations Are Linked to Neurodegenerative Diseases?
So, what gene mutations are associated with which neurodegenerative disease?
- Alzheimer’s Disease – APOE4 gene, which reduces the efficiency of clearing plaques, leading to a buildup.
- Parkinson’s Disease – LRRK2, SNCA. The LRRK2 mutation leads to excessive kinase activity, disrupting normal neuronal signalling and contributes to dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra. On top of this, the SNCA mutation leads to protein misfolding and aggregation, forming Lewy bodies.
- Huntington’s Disease – CAG repeat expansion of the HTT gene is an abnormal repetition in the gene, which leads to the production of a toxic, misfolded huntingtin protein.
- Motor Neurone Disease (MND) – SOD1, C9orf72. The SOD1 mutation results in the accumulation of toxic misfolded proteins, leading to oxidative stress and motor neuron degeneration. Meanwhile, the C90rf72 mutation causes abnormal repeat expansions, leading to toxic RNA and disrupted protein synthesis, which damage motor neurons.
Most of these gene mutations lead to several things:
- Protein misfolding
- Toxic accumulation
- Inflammation
- Neuronal death
These then damage the brain, causing neurodegenerative conditions.
Are Neurodegenerative Diseases Always Inherited?
The neurodegenerative diseases that are consequences of genetic mutations are usually inherited; either one or both of the parents have the same mutation and have passed it down.
However, this doesn’t mean you will experience the disease.
It is also important to note that most cases of neurological conditions are sporadic, meaning they aren’t inherited.
In these cases, it will likely be due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
What Is Epigenetics and How Does It Affect Disease Risk?
Epigenetics and external factors impact the likelihood of risk.
Essentially, the idea of epigenetics is that the environmental factors turn on or off genes in different cells and different times, influencing biological processes such as brain health and disease susceptibility.
How does it work?
Epigenetic modifications control gene activity by adding or removing chemical tags to DNA or proteins associated with DNA.
These modifications play a crucial role in determining how cells function and can influence the risk of various neurological diseases.
Think of it this way: genetics are the foundation, but epigenetics are the finishing touches, allowing the environment and lifestyle choices to impact and alter the overall construction and functioning.
Environmental factors that typically affect genetics include:
- Diet and nutrition
- Physical activity and exercise
- Exposure to toxins and environmental factors
The good thing about epigenetics is that they can be reversed, so if your lifestyle has led to a change in genes, you can undo it by changing your lifestyle (before it’s too late).
How Can LuxuryCare Support Individuals with Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s to Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease often require complex dementia and nursing care by specialist nursing teams.
We are proud to have Branksome Park Care Home, a dedicated neurological care centre in Poole. Here, our team of experts embody the values of our care homes while providing the specialist care your loved one needs.
Neurodegenerative diseases vary from person to person, which is why our bespoke care plans, created during the admission process, are so important because they allow us to provide the right care for your loved ones’ needs while encouraging them to stay as independent as possible.
But our care goes beyond simply providing medical care. We want to enhance your loved one’s quality of life, which is why we always have a range of activities and day trips lined up, homecooked meals on the table, luxury facilities and vibrant gardens to enjoy. All of which are modified to meet your loved ones’ accessibility needs.
If you are interested in the care and lifestyle we can provide your loved one with a neurological condition, come and visit our care home. During your viewing, you can experience the lifestyle we create at our care home while discussing our loved one’s unique needs and care.
Call us on 01202 037373 or complete our online contact form for a callback.
