Although three dominantly inherited genes are known to cause Alzheimer's disease, 11 other genes have also been identified that appear to contribute to the illness, Richard Mayeux, M.D., a professor of neurology and psychiatry at Columbia University, reported at an Alzheimer summit held at the National Institutes of Health May 14 and 15. These diverse genes influence not just beta-amyloid, from which Alzheimer plaques are made, but also affect cholesterol, inflammation and immune responses. Scientists are now trying to sequence the proteins made by these genes, Mayeux said.Comprehensive information about Alzheimer's disease can be found in the Clinicial Manual of Alzheimer Disease and Other Dementias, recently available from American Psychiatric Publishing. And to read more about recent research in Alzheimer's disease, see Psychiatric News here and here.(Image: Khang Guan Toh/Shutterstock.com)
