Scientists Uncovered Alzheimer Gene's Linked

Since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to Alzheimer's Disease, Scientistes have learned a great deal about it .

One of their project is studying the human genes deal with this brain disease . Two potentially key genes linked to the development of Alzheimer have been uncovered by UK researchers. It is the first gene clue to the condition in 16 years and has prompted scientists to rethink their theories on how the disease develops.

The genes were pinpointed in a study of 16,000 DNA samples and are known to be implicated in inflammation and cholesterol breakdown. It is hoped the Nature Genetics study will open the way for new treatments.
The last and only gene to be linked to the common form of Alzheimer's disease is APOE4 gene, which has been the focus of much research.


A team effort of several UK universities, was shared with French researchers who identified a third gene, CR1, also reported in the journal.
The two genes uncovered by the UK team - CLU and PICALM - are both known to have protective roles in the brain.
Changes in the genes may either remove that protective effect or turn the "protectors into attackers", the researchers said.
One of the team, Professor Kevin Morgan from the University of Nottingham, explained that the pathways highlighted by the discovery include those involved in the turnover of cholesterol and part of the immune system involved in inflammation.

There are 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 600,000 people living with dementia in the UK, a number predicted to reach 1.7 million by 2050.

The study was carried out by teams in Cardiff, London, Cambridge, Nottingham, Southampton, Manchester, Oxford, Bristol and Belfast and further research involving 60,000 people is being planned for the next year.
Dr Susanne Sorensen from the Alzheimer's Society said the work was exciting.
"These discoveries will enable scientists to follow new avenues of investigation as they piece together the causes of Alzheimer's disease - likely to be a mixture of genes, lifestyle and life events."


Alzheimer's and the brain

Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. They may be a sign that brain cells are failing.
The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell communicates with many others to form networks. Nerve cell networks have special jobs. Some are involved in thinking, learning and remembering. Others help us see, hear and smell. Still others tell our muscles when to move. In Alzheimer’s disease, as in other types of dementia, increasing numbers of brain cells deteriorate and die.