Is there a connection between Alzheimer's amyloid protein and familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), and are people with FAP more likely to develop Alzheimer's?
While both conditions involve abnormal amyloid protein buildup, they affect different parts of the body and involve different types of proteins. In Alzheimer's Show Full Answer
Is there a connection between Alzheimer's amyloid protein and familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), and are people with FAP more likely to develop Alzheimer's?
While both conditions involve abnormal amyloid protein buildup, they affect different parts of the body and involve different types of proteins. In Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid proteins form plaques in the brain. In FAP (a type of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis), abnormal transthyretin proteins build up in nerves and organs throughout the body.
There's no clear evidence that having systemic amyloidosis, including FAP, directly increases your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The main connection between these conditions is that age is a risk factor for both.
That said, it's still important to support your brain health throughout life, which is good advice for everyone regardless of their amyloidosis status.
January 19
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