Alzheimer Disease, Type 1

What is Alzheimer disease, type 1?

Alzheimer disease, type 1 is an early-onset, familial form of Alzheimer disease. It is similar to other forms of early-onset Alzheimer disease, but each type is caused by mutations in a different gene. This degenerative disease of the brain causes gradual loss of memory, judgment, and ability to function.

Alzheimer disease, type 1 is a subtype of Alzheimer disease.

As in the other types of Alzheimer disease, the most common sign of type 1 Alzheimer disease is memory loss. The disorder usually develops during midlife, between the late thirties and the early sixties. The course of the disease is about 8 to 10 years, and death usually results from pneumonia, malnutrition, or general body wasting. For additional information about the signs and symptoms of this disorder, please refer to the Alzheimer disease summary.

How common is Alzheimer disease, type 1?

Early-onset, familial Alzheimer disease accounts for fewer than 2 percent of all cases of Alzheimer disease. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of the individuals with early-onset, familial Alzheimer disease have type 1
What genes are related to Alzheimer disease, type 1?

Mutations in the APP gene cause Alzheimer disease, type 1.

Mutations in the APP gene lead to the formation of an abnormal version of a protein fragment called amyloid beta peptide, which is a substance found in the brain and other tissues. This peptide can build up in the brain to form clumps called amyloid plaques, which are characteristic of Alzheimer disease. The accumulation of amyloid beta peptide and amyloid plaques leads to the signs and symptoms of this disorder.

Some evidence indicates that people with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing type 1 Alzheimer disease. Down syndrome, a condition characterised by mental retardation and other health problems, occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome account for fewer than 1 percent of all cases of Alzheimer disease
How do people inherit Alzheimer disease, type 1?

This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. In most cases, an affected person inherits a copy of the altered APP gene from one parent with the condition.

What other names do people use for Alzheimer disease, type 1?

  • AD1
  • Alzheimer disease 1
  • Alzheimer Disease Type 1 (AD1)

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