Alzheimer's study reveals new genes implicated in disease

Largest study yet into genetics of Alzheimer's disease identifies double the previous number of genes associated with disorder

The Guardian, Ian Sample, science correspondent, Sunday 27 October 2013

Alzheimer's disease affects one in 14 people over 65 in the UK, causing memory
 loss and confusion and ultimately leaves patients needing full-time care. Photograph:
AFP/Getty Images

Researchers have taken a major step towards understanding the causes of Alzheimer's disease with the largest study yet into the genetics of the disorder.

Findings from the international team suggest at least 20 genes play a role in the common late-onset form of Alzheimer's, more than double the number scientists had previously identified.

The work gives researchers an unprecedented view of the biological pathways that drive the neurodegenerative disorder, and raises the prospect of a test that could determine a person's susceptibility to the disease. Such a test could be helpful in the future if preventative drugs become available.

Researchers led by Philippe Amouyel at the Pasteur Institute in Lille used genetic information from more than 74,000 Alzheimer's patients and healthy controls to find regions of DNA that were more common in people who had the disease.

The scientists found many genes already implicated in the disease, including APOE4, which is strongly linked to late-onset Alzheimer's. But 11 of the gene regions had never before been linked to the disorder.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and affects around 500,000 people in Britain. An irreversible degenerative disorder, the condition takes hold when areas of damage and tangles form in the brain that cause nerve cells to die off. The disease causes memory loss and confusion and ultimately leaves patients needing full-time care. One in 14 people over the age of 65 are affected.

The findings reveal a complex disease that is driven by changes in inflammatory responses, the immune system, the way proteins are handled in the brain and how neurons talk to one another.

Among the most intriguing results from the study published in Nature Genetics is the discovery of a risk-raising gene involved in the immune system which is already thought to put people at greater risk of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. "This helps us understand the pathophysiology of the disease," said Amouyel.

"If we are able to develop preventative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, they would need to be used very early on," said Amouyel. "This could help us identify people who are more prone to the disease by estimating their individual risk."

James Pickett, the head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said the work opened up new avenues to explore in the search for treatments for the condition.

"This truly global effort has doubled the number of genes linked to Alzheimer's and showed what can be achieved when researchers collaborate. We now need continued global investment into dementia research to understand exactly how these genes affect the disease process," he said.

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Kryon Q&A

Question: Dearest Kryon: I've read the question and answer on people with diseases of the mind - for example, Alzheimers and dementia. But I have more questions. You say that people have chosen this path and that the lessons are for us. As I work with these people, I'm wondering if there is any stage where there could be a reversal of the condition, and if so, with what methods? The people in the hostel are so drugged up, and there's a mind-set with the authorities that no "alternate" therapies work - although they're using colored lights. (Sadly, the diversional therapist told me she doesn't know what color therapy is.)

From a spiritual point of view, what is the best way to work with these people - talk to them as though they were normal, or go along with their imaginings? I've been told that they need to be kept quiet, especially toward evening. However, I've found that with one woman who mostly paces saying very little, the more childlike I am (dancing and singing makes her happy), the more she talks. I could go on and on - could you please enlighten me further?

Answer: I will answer the second part first. Love those who are in this condition. Find out what makes them smile... and then make them smile. The best you can do in a facilitation of this condition is to somehow create joy. Even in their confusion they can laugh at situations and be creative. They'll also remember you better as the one who creates this emotion. Each is very different, but in general, try to find their "happy" button and push it as often as you can. They will remember that.

Right now you're perched upon some important discoveries that will be able to reverse these conditions to a large degree. But just as the paraplegic who regains their nerve connections must than relearn how to walk, suffering much pain, there will be this attribute with a regeneration of the mind. Even if new cells are created, they won't necessarily have the old memories, but they can be trained to be healthy and be ready for new memories.

So someday these will have the ability to halt the progress of the degeneration of cells that are being taken, and instead grow new pathways around them. Some will be able to "reconnect" to certain kinds of memories (like recognition) but will have to relearn what the association of recognition actually means. So history and events might have to be studied and relearned... sometimes even things like reading, also. The pain will be that the individual will regain mental health and will realize exactly what has happened.

Your stem-cell research is very important, and you're reaching a point where you'll be able to use birth cells that aren't embryonic, but every bit as potent for research... thereby sidestepping all moral issues. Look for this in the next few years.