Alzheimer's genes link uncovered by UK scientists

Two potentially key genes linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease have been uncovered by UK researchers, reporting in the journal nature Genetics. 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, said the UK's public broadcaster the BBC.

The genes were pinpointed in a study of 16,000 DNA samples and are known to be implicated in inflammation and cholesterol breakdown. 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.

One of the team, Kevin Morgan, a professor at 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. He said:"These new pathways highlight potential new avenues for treatment using conventional drugs. The question now is if we lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, could we modify the risk of people getting Alzheimer's disease. There are 700,000 people living with dementia in the UK, a number predicted to reach 1.7 million by 2050.

Study leader Julie Williams, who is also chief scientific adviser to the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said the research would provide "valuable leads. We have been looking at a specific theory about Alzheimer's disease but our data shows that there are different things going on. We do not really understand what causes common Alzheimer's disease. In a few years' time we might have a very good idea of the full picture."