Gene discovery could increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease

The genome-wide association study looked at the role of different genes in more than 2,000 people without Alzheimer's and more than 3,000 with the disease. They found the gene, MTHFD1L, also influences the amount of the protein homocysteine in the blood. High levels of this protein are a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'In order to move closer to a cure and treatments for Alzheimer's it is essential for scientists to gain a better understanding of the causes of the disease. This interesting early research provides a new avenue of investigation but we still have a lot more to learn about this gene before we can determine its exact role.'

'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia and there will be over a million people living with the condition in less than 15 years. However dementia research is desperately underfunded. We need greater investment if we are to tackle dementia head on.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Research Reference: 'Dementia Revealed: Novel Chromosome 6 Locus for Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Provides Genetic Evidence for Folate-Pathway Abnormalities' by Adam C Naj et al in PLoS Genetics

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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