Rare mutation hints gene editing could prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Reducing the activity of a high-risk gene variant for Alzheimer’s disease might one day help prevent or slow down the progress of the condition.

There are three variants of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, which is involved in making a protein that helps carry cholesterol around the body. One variant, APOE4, is the biggest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Possessing a single copy, or allele, of …