Research leads revolution in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

PA 109/11 Scientists have uncovered five new genes in the search for the genetic make-up of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Their work into this devastating condition is already changing the way people are thinking about treating and diagnosing the disease. The results of this latest study, in which The University of Nottingham played a key role, are published today April 3 2011 . The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, has pinpointed the variants in another five genes that are responsible for increasing the risk of contracting AD in old age. This team of scientists from across the globe have now identified a total of nine genes as some of the prime causes of AD - one of the most common forms of dementia. Kevin Morgan, Professor of Human Genomics and Molecular Genetics, in the Institute of Genetics, leads the Alzheimer's disease research group at The University of Nottingham. He said: "Groups worldwide have spent the last 20 years searching for these genes.