BACKGROUND: There is currently little information on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) among North American Aboriginal populations. No cases of familial AD (FAD) in these populations have been published to date. METHODS: Here, we describe a large North American Aboriginal kindred with early onset FAD (EOFAD) in which genetic testing was done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A novel Presenilin 1 (PS1) gene mutation (L250F) has been identified. In contrast to the three previously reported families with PS1 codon 250 mutations, affected members of this kindred demonstrate neither myoclonus nor seizures. Furthermore, the identification of a PS1 mutation in a North American Aboriginal kindred presents several unique challenges with respect to knowledge transfer and continuity of care in a geographically remote and culturally distinct community.
BACKGROUND: There is currently little information on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) among North American Aboriginal populations. No cases of familial AD (FAD) in these populations have been published to date. METHODS: Here, we describe a large North American Aboriginal kindred with early onset FAD (EOFAD) in which genetic testing was done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A novel Presenilin 1 (PS1) gene mutation (L250F) has been identified. In contrast to the three previously reported families with PS1 codon 250 mutations, affected members of this kindred demonstrate neither myoclonus nor seizures. Furthermore, the identification of a PS1 mutation in a North American Aboriginal kindred presents several unique challenges with respect to knowledge transfer and continuity of care in a geographically remote and culturally distinct community.