Alzheimer's Risk Gene Alters Brain Activity Early – But It May Be Reversible

Carrying one or two copies of the APOE4 variant substantially raises Alzheimer’s risk.

In young APOE4 mice, neurons in parts of the hippocampus were smaller and unusually hyperactive.

The Nell2 protein was abundant in APOE4 neurons and linked to disrupted neuronal activity.

APOE3 mice showed increased neuronal activity only at old age and did not develop the same cognitive problems as APOE4 mice.

Blocking Nell2 production in the mice restored neuron size and firing patterns, reversing the changes.