- ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE causing genes have been identified by researchers.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE is the disease of impaired memory and brain function and is a form of dementia. Dementia increases with age and reaches prevalence of 50% of the population by age 85.
A specific gene that encodes the protein apolipoprotein E, has long been associated with the typical late onset ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.

· Researchers report on the recent finding of three additional genes that have been identified to be strongly associated with the development of early onset ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.  This is according to an article in the medical journal Nature Genetics from September 2009.

· ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE likely results from the deposition of the protein Amyloid in the brain.  This protein interferes with normal brain function and memory impairment.

· The newly identified genes are all involved in the metabolism of Amyloid protein in the brain.  These findings were confirmed in a study of over 2000 patients with ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.

· ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE is increasingly prevalent as our society ages.  Our current treatments for ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE are inadequate and only slow the progression of the disease.  We currently do not have medication that stop or reverse ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.
The new findings are especial important in that they confirm the Amyloid theory of ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE and will possibly guide us to better treatment.  Exciting future treatment options may include gene therapy to inhibit the function of these ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE genes.  Other future treatment options would include medications to control Amyloid levels in the brain.

Cristopher Geiler, M.D.

Reference
Nature Genetics Published online September 6, 2009.