Untangling the Genetics of a Complex Disease
Article Abstract:
More research is needed on the possible link between a gene on chromosome 12 and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Four genes have already been linked to AD: the genes for amyloid precursor protein, presenilin 1, presenilin 2 and apolipoprotein E epsilon4. However, these genes only account for about half the risk of AD, so researchers continue to search for other genes. Two 1998 studies provided conflicting evidence on this question. One found a link between AD and a region on chromosome 12 but the other did not. Chance alone could have caused one or the other result and this is why further research is needed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Exploring the etiology of Alzheimer disease using molecular genetics
Article Abstract:
Several gene mutations appear to be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease and research may uncover more. Alzheimer's disease is characterized partly by deposits in the brain of a protein called beta amyloid. It is the principle component of senile plaques. Mutations in three genes seem to be involved in the production of abnormally long beta amyloid fibers, which are more prone to deposition. The genes involved are those for beta-amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1 and presenilin-2. The gene for apolipoprotein E also appears to be involved in some cases of Alzheimer's disease.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Clinical features of early-onset Alzheimer disease in a large kindred with an E280A presenilin-1 mutation
Article Abstract:
A study of 5 large Colombian families reveals that early-onset Alzheimer's disease has many of the same clinical features as late-onset disease. Among 3,000 people in the families, 6 had Alzheimer's disease at autopsy, 93 had probable early-onset disease and 29 had possible early-onset disease. These families are characterized by a mutation in the presenilin-1 gene, which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of onset was 47 years but some began having symptoms in their 30s. Symptoms included headache, memory loss, personality change and gait disorders.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: USPHS/IDSA guidelines for the prevention of opportunistic infections in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus: a summary
- Abstracts: Making sense of ...parenteral nutrition in adult patients. Making sense of bowel preparation. Making sense of the care of patients with pancreatitis
- Abstracts: Alendronate for the treatment of osteoporosis. Alprostadil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Troglitazone: a new class of oral antihyperglycemic for the treatment of type II diabetes
- Abstracts: Influence of sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and the combination of both on plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- Abstracts: Getting the right employee is half the battle. Parents spell out most wanted qualities of professionals. Make an initial investment in hiring - or pay later