
The Neanderthal Connection to 'Viking Disease'
Neanderthal genes are linked to an increased risk of Dupuytren's contracture, also known as "Viking disease," which causes the fingers of one or both hands to freeze into a permanently bent position. The condition is most common in men of Scandinavian or northern European descent and is rarely seen in individuals of African descent. Researchers discovered 61 genetic risk factors for the disease, of which three were inherited from Neanderthals. The discovery highlights the health consequences of intermingling with Neanderthals, who share up to 98.5% of our DNA.
