Epigenetics of SNCA and APOE Genes and Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by rapid cognitive decline, Parkinson's-like motor issues, hallucinations and eventually death. Because LBD displays traits similar to other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), researchers have sought more reliable, specific ways to diagnose LBD. Recent studies have singled out some candidate genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for LBD: SNCA and APOE. Epigenetic modifications, specifically hypomethylation, in SNCA and APOE genes is positively correlated with the development of Lewy Body Dementia, which suggests that these genes could be potential biomarkers to diagnose LBD if their mechanistic contribution to LBD development is better understood.