Authors: Dijkstra JIR, Hulsman M, Waterink L, Holstege H, Teunissen CE, Christiaansen WFL, de Jong BA, Kochunov P, Donohue B, Zwan MD, den Braber A, Vermunt L, van der Lee SJ.
DOI: 10.1038/s44400-025-00030-2
Abstract Summary
Dutch researchers analyzed data from 12,040 participants and over 100,000 family members to estimate heritability of nine common brain diseases. Alzheimer’s disease showed the highest genetic contribution (73%), followed by Parkinson’s (72%) and frontotemporal dementia (48%). Notably, shared environmental factors significantly influenced Alzheimer’s and vascular-related conditions, emphasizing the importance of targeting modifiable risk factors for prevention.
Why Brain? ๐ง
Large study of 12,040 families quantifies genetic and shared environmental contributions to 9 brain diseases, revealing AD is highly heritable (73%) and vascular conditions share key environmental risks.
Study Limitations:
Self-reported data on family structure and occurrence of brain diseases
License: cc by.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
