A new study published in the journal Nature Genetics has found that autism-related genes may affect non-autistic individuals in the long term.
The study, led by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that people who carry certain autism-related genes are more likely to develop certain mental health conditions later in life, such as anxiety and depression. The researchers also found that these genes may affect the way people age, increasing their risk of developing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our findings suggest that autism-related genes may have a broader impact on health than previously thought,” said Dr. Margaret Pericak-Vance, senior author of the study. “This could help us to identify people who are at an increased risk of developing these conditions and to develop new interventions to prevent or delay their onset.”
Here are some additional details about the study:
- The study was conducted in a group of over 10,000 people.
- The researchers found that people who carried certain autism-related genes were more likely to develop anxiety and depression later in life.
- The researchers also found that these genes may affect the way people age, increasing their risk of developing age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The future of autism research:
- The findings of the study could help to identify people who are at an increased risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
- This could help to develop new interventions to prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.
- The study could also help to shed light on the long-term effects of autism-related genes, which could inform the development of new treatments for autism.
