A Washington man appeared to be destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease — but against all genetic odds, he has eluded the common dementia for decades. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently published a study focusing on Doug Whitney, 76, who lives near Seattle.
He has a rare inherited genetic mutation in the presenilin 2 (PSEN2) gene, which virtually guarantees early-onset Alzheimer’s. All of Whitney’s family members who inherited the gene have experienced cognitive decline starting in their early 50s or sooner, according to a WashU press release.
Whitney, however, shows no signs of mental decline. WashU researchers wondered if the reason for his continued cognitive health could help protect others against the disease.
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers analyzed his genetic data and brain scans, identifying "changes in genes and proteins" that could explain how he has defied the odds to remain mentally sharp.
