Health · Medical Research · 2 days ago
Twin sisters test positive for an inherited Alzheimer’s mutation
Megan and her twin sister Jillian carry a gene mutation that causes Alzheimer’s disease.
Their mother and several other relatives also had the disease.
Alzheimer’s gradually destroys brain cells and can severely affect a person’s ability to speak and live independently.
The story asks whether changes in treatment could alter what a dementia diagnosis means.
Megan learned on June 16, 2022, that she carries a pathogenic variation in the PSEN1 gene linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Megan was 55 and had no symptoms of cognitive decline when she received the genetic test result.
Her identical twin sister, Jillian, believed she carried the mutation too, and the article says both sisters tested positive.
Several relatives in their family, including their mother, two uncles, an aunt and maternal grandmother, had died of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and accounts for up to 70 per cent of cases worldwide.
- Who
- Identical twin sisters Megan and Jillian
- What
- Both tested positive for a PSEN1 gene mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
- When
- Megan received her result on June 16, 2022; the article was published October 9, 2026.
- Where
- A small town in rural Victoria, Australia
- Why
- The sisters had a family history of Alzheimer’s disease and underwent genetic testing.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
She was a husk
I’ve got it. I’ve got it too.
I have lost myself, so to speak,
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Date of Megan’s test result
- June 16, 2022
- Megan’s age at testing
- 55
- Gene involved
- PSEN1 (Presenilin 1)
- Share of dementia cases attributed to Alzheimer’s
- Up to 70 per cent worldwide
- Family history described
- Their mother, two uncles, an aunt and maternal grandmother had died of Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources
Related news
Pope Leo to have surgery to remove an early-detected lung nodule
Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove early-stage lung nodule
ADHD and Later Cognitive Diagnoses: Why the Risk Estimate Needs Context
Higher Pre-Surgery A1c Linked to Macular Edema Risk After Cataract Surgery
Pope Leo XIV to have lung nodule removed in surgery this week
PRIMA retinal implant showed control of geographic atrophy for up to 3 years
Presley Gerber died at 27 after years of public struggle with addiction
Chewable gummy offers another oral-care option for people with dementia
Study asks how intense intercourse feels for each partner
Pope Leo XIV says he will have surgery to remove a lung lesion
Chiranjeevi urges people to seek early cancer screening
