Alzheimer's research links three genes to disease

[steven johnson]

Researchers have identified three genes which account for approximately 20% of Alzheimers disease in the UK. Scientists believe that genes account for 80% of our chance of developing late-onset Alzheimer's, the rest coming from lifestyle and environmental factors. The latest findings suggest that unchecked inflammation may be playing a role in causing the dementia.

One gene, clusterin, helps to protect the brain from exessive inflammation. The second gene, Picalm, is crucial for maintaining the health of connections between brain cells. The third gene, CR1, clears out amyloid plaques that can build up in Alzheimer's patients.

Presumably one could use genetic testing to identify the patients at risk earlier.

NYT:Scientists Connect Gene Variations to Alzheimer’s

Scientists have discovered a trio of genetic mutations that account for nearly 100,000 cases of Alzheimer's disease in Britain today.

Three genes that protect the brain from damage and ensure neurons work properly were found to be impaired in many patients with the disease, in the largest genetic study of the condition yet.

The work has been hailed as a "huge step" towards earlier testing and better treatment for Alzheimer's and is the first in 15 years to find new genes associated with the disease.

Previously, scientists knew of only one gene, called APOE4, which increases the risk of developing the most common form of the disease


Alzheimer's research links three genes to disease

[Chemisse]

1. Inflammation - that keeps coming up as so important - nt