Alzheimer’s Society comment on link between CETP gene and memory decline

There are rare inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease but the most common form is caused by a range of factors including: a combination of different genes, life style factors and life events.

'Having a family member with dementia does not mean you will necessarily inherit the condition yourself. Alzheimer's disease, the most common dementia, is likely to be caused by interaction between genetic disposition, life style and life events. Many genes are probably involved each conferring a degree of risk.

However, research into genetics can help us better understand the processes that lead to the diseases that cause dementia and could potentially lead to new treatments.

This relatively small study suggests that variations in this particular gene - linked with long life and lower risk of heart disease - could also be associated with lower risk of dementia. More research is needed to fully understand this link. The government currently invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. This needs to change.'

 

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

- Ends -

Reference: Sanders AE, Wang C, Katz M, Derby CA, Barzilai N, Ozelius L, Lipton RB. Association of a Functional Polymorphism in the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Gene With Memory Decline and Incidence of Dementia. JAMA. January 2010 - vol 303, No 2.

Notes to editors

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
•  Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk 
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk