Health
He carries the Alzheimer’s gene but never got the disease — scientists want to know why
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A Washington man appeared to be destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease — but against all genetic odds, he has eluded the common dementia for decades.
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently published a study focusing on Doug Whitney, 76, who lives near Seattle.
He has a rare inherited genetic mutation in the presenilin 2 (PSEN2) gene, which virtually guarantees early-onset Alzheimer’s.
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All of Whitney’s family members who inherited the gene have experienced cognitive decline starting in their early 50s or sooner, according to a WashU press release.
Whitney, however, shows no signs of mental decline. WashU researchers wondered if the reason for his continued cognitive health could help protect others against the disease.
Doug Whitney, Alzheimer’s research participant, appeared to be destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease — but against all genetic odds, he has eluded the common dementia for decades. (UWash Medicine/Megan Farmer)
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers analyzed his genetic data and brain scans, identifying “changes in genes and proteins” that could explain how he has defied the odds to remain mentally sharp.
The researchers also discovered that Whitney’s brain had virtually no buildup of tau, the hallmark protein that signals the onset of cognitive decline.
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“These extensive studies indicate a remarkable resistance to tau pathology and neurodegeneration,” said senior study author Randall J. Bateman, M.D., the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine, in the press release.
Urged by his cousin, Whitney first came to WashU in 2011 to participate in a study focused on families with inherited forms of Alzheimer’s, as many of his relatives had developed early-onset disease. At the time, he believed he did not have the gene.
“He actually was able to escape the expected course of the disease.”
Whitney’s mother was one of 14 children, nine of whom had the Alzheimer’s gene. Ten of them died before they were 60. Whitney’s own brother developed the disease before dying at age 55.
“I was 61 at the time — well past the age where it should have onset,” he told Fox News Digital during an on-camera interview. “But they tested me, and lo and behold, I did have the gene. I was amazed.”
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers analyzed Whitney’s genetic data and brain scans. (UWash Medicine/Megan Farmer)
The researchers were just as “confounded,” Whitney recalled.
“They tested me three times to make sure that there wasn’t some slip-up. But it’s true. I had the gene. And now I’m 76 years old and still haven’t had any symptoms.”
Cognitive clues
Jorge Llibre-Guerra, M.D., an assistant professor of neurology and co-first author of the study, echoed that it was a “big surprise” to learn that Whitney was a carrier of the genetic mutation — officially known as an “exceptional resilience mutation carrier.”
“He actually was able to escape the expected course of the disease,” he said in the release.
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Now, in this most recent study, the WashU researchers aimed to explore potential reasons for Whitney’s absence of Alzheimer’s.
“If we are able to uncover the mechanism behind this resilience, we could try to replicate it with a targeted therapy designed to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, leveraging the same protective factors that have kept Mr. Whitney from developing this disease to benefit others,” said Llibre-Guerra.
Doug and Ione Whitney often work on puzzles together to help maintain mental sharpness. (UWash Medicine/Megan Farmer)
Those who have the PSEN2 mutation tend to have an “over-production” of amyloid protein, which builds up in the brain during the first stage of Alzheimer’s, according to the researchers.
In the second stage, as symptoms of cognitive decline begin, there is typically a buildup of tau protein in the brain.
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In Whitney’s case, brain scans showed a “significant accumulation” of amyloid, but almost a complete absence of tau.
One theory for how Whitney may have escaped his genetic fate stems from his time in the Navy.
The researchers discovered that Whitney’s brain (not pictured) had virtually no buildup of tau, the hallmark protein that signals the onset of cognitive decline. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
When the researchers analyzed Whitney’s cerebrospinal fluid, they found a “a significantly higher-than-normal level” of “heat shock” proteins, protective molecules that cells produce when they’re under stress, including high heat exposure.
During his many years of working as a shipboard mechanic in the Navy, Whitney was exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time.
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“In the engine room of ships, the temperatures … would range from 100 to 110 degrees, for four hours at a time,” he told Fox News Digital. “They concluded that possibly there was some gene or protein that could mutate and protect me genetically from the disease.”
“We don’t yet understand how or if heat shock proteins may be mediating the effect,” Llibre-Guerra noted in the release. “However, in this case, they may be involved in preventing aggregation and misfolding of tau proteins, but we do not know for sure.”
“They tested me three times to make sure that there wasn’t some slip-up. But it’s true. I had the gene. And now I’m 76 years old and still haven’t had any symptoms,” Whitney said. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File photo)
The research was supported in part by the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, among others.
‘It’s my calling’
To help him stay sharp, Whitney often does crossword puzzles and sudoko along with his wife.
“I think I’m pretty healthy at 76,” he said. “I’m pretty active, and I hardly have any medications to take.”
For those who are experiencing symptoms, Whitney recommends contacting the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Get into research as soon as possible — the earlier you get in, the better chance you have,” he said. “Don’t give up. Nobody’s alone out there anymore. There are lots of people waiting to help you.”
“Looking at the advances they’ve made over the last 14 years — it’s amazing,” Whitney said. “It’s imperative that we keep going.” (iStock)
Whitney said he is optimistic about the future of Alzheimer’s treatment.
“Looking at the advances they’ve made over the last 14 years — it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s imperative that we keep going.”
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Llibre-Guerra said he’s hopeful that the insights gleaned from Whitney’s case will spark broader studies — in both people and animals — aimed at uncovering the biological secrets behind his resistance to Alzheimer’s.
“As long as they need me, I’ll be here. I’m in it for the long haul.”
“We have made all of the data we have available, as well as the tissue samples,” he said. “If researchers want to request those to do additional analysis, that’s something we would welcome.”
Whitney said he is committed to helping advance Alzheimer’s research, which his wife refers to as his “third career.”
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“It’s become my calling,” he said. “When we go for testing, it’s a pretty rigorous day, but after 14 years, I’m used to it now, so that’s not a concern.”
“As long as they need me, I’ll be here. I’m in it for the long haul.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers.
That’s according to a recent study led by Stony Brook Medicine in New York, which evaluated the cognitive function of 4,000 adults 80 and over who participated in multiple aging and longevity studies over several years.
Among this group, 6% to 10% were classified as super movers, which means they walk at a much faster pace than others of the same age and gender — at speeds comparable to people three decades younger.
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The super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology on June 16.
Older adults identified as “super movers” are about half as likely to develop cognitive impairment than their peers. (iStock)
“The study reinforces that mobility and brain health are closely connected,” lead study author Dr. Joe Verghese, MD, neurologist at Stony Brook Medicine, told Fox News Digital. “This suggests that preserving mobility may be an important marker of healthy brain aging and resilience.”
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The most intriguing finding, according to Verghese, was that super movers maintained cognitive function despite having similar dementia-related brain changes as their peers.
In postmortem brain analysis, there was no difference in dementia-related pathologies between the super movers and the slower walkers, the study stated.
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“This suggests they may possess resilience mechanisms that help preserve brain function even in the presence of age-related changes,” he said. “Understanding these resilience factors could lead to new strategies for promoting healthy brain aging.”
As the study was observational, there were some limitations, and it does not prove that walking faster prevents dementia, the researchers noted.
Super movers were found to have about half the risk of cognitive decline compared to seniors with typical gait speed. (iStock)
“Other factors, such as cardiovascular health, physical fitness or genetics, may also contribute to both faster walking and better cognitive outcomes,” Verghese said.
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This study adds to growing evidence that what’s good for the heart and muscles also benefits the brain, he noted, adding that “staying physically active remains one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support healthy aging.”
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment.”
“The broader message is that physical activity is important at any age,” Verghese said. “Walking is an easy step-up point because you don’t need any special equipment. You can do it inside or outdoors, and you can do it on a regular basis. You can walk with a dog, you can walk with a friend.”
Any activity is beneficial if it’s done regularly and with the right intensity, he added.
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Rather than just trying to walk faster, the neurologist recommends that seniors focus on maintaining mobility through regular physical activity, strength training, balance exercises and good cardiovascular health.
“Walking speed is best viewed as a marker of overall health, not a treatment,” Verghese noted.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking.
Major public health guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking. (iStock)
This can be achieved by walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, or about 20 to 25 minutes most days. Another option is to engage in shorter sessions that add up over the day.
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“You have to do it within your health limitations and medical conditions,” Verghese advised. “So if there are any medical concerns, I would get your physician to clear you before starting exercise.” The good thing about walking, he added, is that you can start at a slow pace and then gradually build up to a brisker pace.
“And then adding on strength and balance training, whatever age you are, I think is also important.”
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Health
Dr Oz warns Medicare scammers are stealing billions — and your personal information could be next
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Washington, D.C. – Medicare fraud is a multibillion-dollar problem that government officials say threatens both taxpayer dollars and Americans’ personal identities.
In a July 6 interview with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that every dollar stolen through Medicare fraud is a dollar taxpayers lose – a problem that has worsened since the COVID pandemic.
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz, who is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “And just to put this in perspective, we think it’s about $100 billion a year.”
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Medicare fraud can include billing for services that were never provided, overcharging for medical equipment, using stolen patient or doctor information, or performing unnecessary procedures, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz is pictured on stage at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., on July 6, 2026. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
As the Trump administration ramped up efforts to combat fraud, CMS reported $41.9 billion in Medicare program integrity savings in 2025, up 59% from $26.3 billion in 2024.
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Medicare fraud not only harms the federal budget and steals from taxpayers, but exposes seniors to identity theft, unnecessary care, higher premiums and reduced access, Oz cautioned.
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Removing corruption from the healthcare system will have the greatest impact among seniors, since “so much of the fraud is perpetrated against them,” the administrator said.
“I’m talking about people tricking seniors to give up their Medicare beneficiary numbers, which is like a credit card basically,” he said. “These scammers can take those numbers and use them for all kinds of illegitimate purposes.”
“If I had to just pick one thing to focus on to make healthcare more affordable in America, I’d go to health fraud and all the waste and abuse that accompanies it,” said Oz. (Fox News Digital)
“People are stealing from you by pretending to send you drugs you don’t want, wheelchairs you don’t need, [and] services you never asked for or don’t benefit from,” Oz added.
To prevent this, he shared his top advice for seniors: Do not give your Medicare beneficiary number to anybody, do not answer questions on a phone call from an unknown person and do not give away personal information.
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“These scammers are calling seniors, tricking them, and once they have key information, they can steal it,” he said. “And I won’t know it and you won’t know it.”
“We want to protect people who need these programs the most,” Oz went on. “You do that by making sure scoundrels don’t corrupt the systems and steal money out of the till that is designed to help folks in dire straits when they’re vulnerable and in need of services.”
Seniors should never share their Medicare information with unknown people, the administrator advised. (iStock)
Removing fraud could “double the life expectancy of the trust fund that makes all this possible,” Oz predicted.
“If you’re worried about Medicare being there when you’re ready to retire in a couple decades, depending on how old you are, and you’re concerned that it might not last because of all the fraud that’s hitting it … you’ve got a good [reason to] worry,” he said.
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“If we take the fraud out, we could double the life expectancy, which means you, your kids, your kids’ kids … they could all benefit from this beautiful safety net program.”
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