Study identifies gene which influences development of Alzheimer's

The study, funded by Alzheimer's Society and led by academics at King's College London, shows that the gene clusterin could switch on a pathway in the brain which is linked to the development of Alzheimer's.

The gene is thought to control a signalling pathway which causes changes in the protein, known as tau, linked to tangles in the brain that characterise Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'The more we understand about the way Alzheimer's develops the better placed we are to treat it. This important study fills in some critical gaps regarding the complex way Alzheimer's takes hold and could lead us towards a new way of diagnosing, targeting and treating the condition more effectively.

'One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia, emphasising the importance of research like this in helping people live well with dementia today whilst we search for a cure.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Research reference: R. Killick et al. Clusterin regulates b-amyloid toxicity via Dickkopf-1-driven induction of the wnt–PCP–JNK pathway. Molecular Psychiatry, 2012. [Epub ahead of print].

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than ten 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 has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

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