Researchers advance genetic understanding of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have advanced the genetic understanding of Alzheimer's disease in two complementary studies.

The projects investigated how four key genes impact upon memory and the ways that brain development is related to intracranial volume.

It was found in the first study, which included 9,000 people, that certain genetic variations can speed up the shrinkage of the hippocampus - an area of the brain used to make new memories.

Although this area naturally diminishes with age, in those in which the process is accelerated they are prone to Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Charles DeCarli, co-leader of the study, commented: "If someone loses a greater-than-average amount of volume due to the gene variants we've identified, the hippocampus is more vulnerable to Alzheimer's."

While there was no link established between genetics, Alzheimer's and intercranial volume, the research is hoped to lead to further understandings of brain development in general.

The study follows previous research showing that genes to promote memory are inhibited in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

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