The lower expression of CD36 would negatively influence Aβ phagocytosis by microglia at the earliest stage of dementia (thus promoting a dementia-related mechanism and contributing to SCD) but would provide a degree of protection during the later stages of the pathological process by mitigating the CD36-dependent inflammatory mechanisms and delaying the appearance of the fully blown DAT. The gene discussed is SLC6A3; the disease is dementia.