U.S.HEALTH WATCH
Why some people escape Alzheimer's despite carrying a high-risk gene
Researchers found a rare mutation that blocks harmful protein buildup in the brain, and they hope to design treatments that copy it; a hopeful one.
On air: Hank Ledger and Gloria Vance on BBN This MorningPublished
Photo: Garrondo · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBNWatch it as it aired: Hank Ledger and Gloria Vance on this story, from BBN This Morning at 9:38 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are ScienceDaily's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by ScienceDaily: “Why some people escape Alzheimer’s despite carrying a high-risk gene”.
- Covered on BBN on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9:38 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Hank Ledger and Gloria Vance.
- Topics: Alzheimer.
- BBN covered this story before: Rare study reveals a striking divide inside an Alzheimer's patient's… (October 16).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWe promised you this one: scientists have found a rare mutation that protects some people with a high-risk Alzheimer's gene, and they stay mentally sharp well into their eighties.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt blocks the harmful protein buildup in the brain, and researchers say that could point to treatments that copy this natural defense.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA gene that shields the brain from the gene. Finally, a bodyguard who read the whole contract.
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Photo: Harald Krichel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: derivative work: user:The Explaner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: User:Haplochromis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Paxson Woelber · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Riptor3000 at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: U. S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
The story so far
- Davina McCall on 'advanced Alzheimer's' symptoms after surgery · BBC
- 10 health conditions may be linked to Alzheimer's years before… · Fox News
- Rare study reveals a striking divide inside an Alzheimer's patient's… · ScienceDaily
- Why some people escape Alzheimer's despite carrying a high-risk gene (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Monday, October 19, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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