Gene MTHFD1L 'increases chance of Alzheimer's
Researchers have discovered a gene that increases the chance of carriers developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists, led by Margaret Pericak-Vance of the University of Miami, said that the gene, known as MTHFD1L is found on chromosome six.
The study investigated gene variation of 2,269 people with late-onset Alzheimer's disease and found differences in the genetic sequence in those who did and did not have the condition.
"Identifying this gene is important because the gene is known to be involved in influencing the body's levels of homocysteine, and high levels of homocysteine are strong risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease," said Pericak-Vance.
Meanwhile, researchers from the University of South Florida's Department of Psychiatry and the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair found that stimulating the brain's immune response could treat Alzheimer's disease.
It was found that triggering the CD45 molecule blocked an early step in the development of the condition.
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