Genetics and environmental determinants of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in older Africans: a narrative review.

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 GENETICS & HEREDITY

Genes and Environment Pub Date : 2025-10-09 DOI:10.1186/s41021-025-00332-0

Tobi Olajide, Oluwatimilehin Oladapo, Chukwuebuka Asogwa, Gideon Olajide, Ayomide Oyekan, Ayomide Fatola, Timileyin Olanrewaju, Damola Oyegbile, Ikechukwu Ugbo, Henry Oyoyo, Ridwan Kamarudeen, Olawale Famakin

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is rising in Africa, yet research remains limited compared to high-income regions. This narrative review investigated the genetic and environmental determinants of ADRD in older African populations, with a focus on the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. Although APOE ε4 is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer's disease globally, its role in African populations appears less pronounced and variable, likely due to genetic diversity, evolutionary adaptations, and environmental interactions. We discussed the epidemiology of dementia in Africa, contrasting urban and rural patterns, and examined the distribution and effects of APOE alleles across African regions. Additionally, we reviewed how environmental exposures-including malaria, hypertension, HIV, heavy metals, pesticides, vitamin D deficiency, and air pollution-interact with APOE genotypes to influence cognitive decline. Critical challenges such as healthcare disparities, diagnostic inconsistencies, and underrepresentation in genomic studies were highlighted. Finally, we emphasized the need for longitudinal, multicenter research and initiatives like the African Dementia Consortium to bridge knowledge gaps and inform culturally tailored interventions for dementia prevention and care in Africa.

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非洲老年人阿尔茨海默病和相关痴呆的遗传和环境决定因素：叙述性回顾

在非洲，阿尔茨海默病和相关痴呆（ADRD）的负担正在上升，但与高收入地区相比，研究仍然有限。这篇叙述性综述调查了非洲老年人ADRD的遗传和环境决定因素，重点是载脂蛋白E （APOE）基因。尽管APOE ε4在全球范围内是阿尔茨海默病的一个重要危险因素，但它在非洲人群中的作用似乎不太明显，也不太稳定，可能是由于遗传多样性、进化适应和环境相互作用。我们讨论了非洲痴呆症的流行病学，对比了城市和农村模式，并检查了APOE等位基因在非洲地区的分布和影响。此外，我们回顾了环境暴露——包括疟疾、高血压、艾滋病毒、重金属、农药、维生素D缺乏和空气污染——如何与APOE基因型相互作用，影响认知能力下降。强调了医疗保健差异、诊断不一致和基因组研究代表性不足等关键挑战。最后，我们强调了纵向、多中心研究和倡议的必要性，如非洲痴呆症联盟，以弥合知识差距，并为非洲的痴呆症预防和护理提供适合文化的干预措施。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Genes and Environment Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology-Genetics

CiteScore

4.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

27 weeks

期刊介绍： Genes and Environment is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that aims to accelerate communications among global scientists working in the field of genes and environment. The journal publishes articles across a broad range of topics including environmental mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, environmental genomics and epigenetics, molecular epidemiology, genetic toxicology and regulatory sciences. Topics published in the journal include, but are not limited to, mutagenesis and anti-mutagenesis in bacteria; genotoxicity in mammalian somatic cells; genotoxicity in germ cells; replication and repair; DNA damage; metabolic activation and inactivation; water and air pollution; ROS, NO and photoactivation; pharmaceuticals and anticancer agents; radiation; endocrine disrupters; indirect mutagenesis; threshold; new techniques for environmental mutagenesis studies; DNA methylation (enzymatic); structure activity relationship; chemoprevention of cancer; regulatory science. Genetic toxicology including risk evaluation for human health, validation studies on testing methods and subjects of guidelines for regulation of chemicals are also within its scope.