Two new genes associated with Alzheimers disease have been discovered in a British scientist led genome study.

In a separate study French researchers revealed links between a third gene and the disease.

The British study, led by Professor Julie Williams, is the largest ever Alzheimers genomewide association study and involved 16,000 individuals. Using a two stage process it identified strong links between the genes CLU and PICALM and Alzheimers. The French study of more than 7,000 individuals found a further link to the gene CR1. Both studies are being published in Nature Genetics this week.

Alzheimers Society comment

These studies mark a really exciting breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to identify a cause and find a cure for this devastating disease. It is the first time a new gene link has been established in 16 years and the role of British scientists shows the high standards being set by this countrys researchers.

These discoveries will enable scientists to follow new avenues of investigation as they piece together the causes of Alzheimers disease likely to be a mixture of genes; life style and life events. Most importantly it could also lead to new drug treatments.

In the next 10 years one million people will develop dementia but the government currently spends eight times less on dementia research than cancer research. This investment now needs to be drastically increased so we do not miss out on the incredible opportunity to build on these findings and ultimately win the battle against dementia.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimers Society

Notes

Genomewide association study identifies variants at CLU and PICALM associated with Alzheimers disease by Williams et al is published in Nature Genetics on 6th September 2009.