Iron-related gene variant tied to higher dementia risk in men: study

A new Australian study has found that men who carry two copies of a common gene variant, H63D, are more than twice as likely to develop dementia, while women with the same genetic profile show no increased risk.

The research, led by Curtin University and published in Neurology, analyzed data from over 19,000 participants in the ASPREE trial, focusing on variants of the HFE gene, which regulates iron levels. While a single copy of the variant has no health effect, around 1 in 36 people carry two copies—posing a significant dementia risk for men.

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for gender-specific dementia prevention and treatment strategies. Co-author Professor John Olynyk emphasized that while the gene itself can’t be changed, understanding the affected brain pathways could lead to targeted interventions.

Currently, over 400,000 Australians live with dementia, one-third of whom are men. The study was conducted in collaboration with several major Australian universities.

Credit : CGTN