Genetic research offers insight into Alzheimer's disease - Brief Article

AORN Journal, April, 2003

Researchers from the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, estimate that within 50 years, patients will undergo routine screening for Alzheimer's disease and receive prescription medications tailored to their genetic risk for the disease, according to a Feb 14, 2003, news release from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Researchers have identified four genes that play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Three of these genes cause the early onset form of the disease (ie, 5% to 10% of all cases), and the fourth increases risk for, but does not cause, the form of the disease that individuals develop as they age.

Research has shown that genetics are a factor in nearly every case of Alzheimer's disease. As genes that contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease are identified, the possibility that physicians will be able to predict the disease and prevent it from developing increases. This also could lead to development of customized medications that would address individuals' genetic properties.

Approximately four million to six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by loss of memory, judgment, and reasoning ability. The disease may affect more than 14 million Americans by 2040, however, due to the aging of the US population. Physicians currently diagnose Alzheimer's disease after eliminating other possible causes for disease symptoms. An autopsy provides the only positive diagnosis of the condition.

New Potential Sites for Alzheimer's Genes Suggest a Future of Custom-designed Treatment (news release, Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science, Feb 14, 2003) http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2003 /0214alzh.shtml (accessed 21 Feb 2003).