A groundbreaking study from Australia has uncovered a startling connection between a hidden genetic mutation and a heightened risk of dementia in men. Researchers from Monash and Curtin Universities analyzed extensive medical data and found that men over 70 with two copies of a specific variant in the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene, known as H63D, face at least double—potentially up to four times—the risk of developing dementia compared to those without this genetic marker.

What’s intriguing, and somewhat baffling, is that this risk appears to be exclusive to men. Women carrying the same mutation show no increased likelihood of dementia, a mystery that researchers are eager to unravel. As Professor John Olynyk from Curtin Medical School noted, while the HFE gene regulates iron levels in the body, the study found no direct link between iron accumulation and dementia. Instead, other culprits like inflammation or cellular damage in the brain might be at play.

Published in the journal Neurology, the study drew on data from over 19,000 healthy older adults. About one in 36 men carry two copies of this variant, putting them in a precarious position. While the genetic mutation itself can’t be altered, there’s hope that the brain pathways it impacts could be targeted for treatment. Professor Olynyk suggests that testing for the HFE gene, already common for assessing iron overload disorders like haemochromatosis, might be expanded to men more broadly as a preventive measure.

Still, the research isn’t without limitations—primarily, its focus on a predominantly Australian population raises questions about whether these findings hold true globally. More studies across diverse groups are needed, as are deeper investigations into why men are uniquely affected. Beyond genetics, the researchers emphasize that lifestyle plays a critical role in mitigating dementia risk. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, limited alcohol, mental engagement, and proactive health care can all make a difference.

This discovery opens the door to personalized prevention strategies, as co-author Professor Paul Lacaze highlighted. While the road ahead involves more research, one thing is clear: understanding our genetic makeup could be a game-changer in the fight against dementia.

Dementia News

Hidden Genetic Mutation Doubles Dementia Risk in Men, Study Reveals