Double gene link could help in search for Alzheimer’s cure

Scientists have discovered two genes linked to a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s, which could help in the hunt to find a cure for the disease.

Researchers behind the “exciting” discovery hope it will lead to new treatments for the condition which currently affects more than half a million people in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and is the leading cause of dementia.

Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Society which jointly funded the work, said: “Over 60 per 0 Doug Brown: Alzheimer’s still isn’t fully understood cent of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease, yet despite its prevalence we still don’t fully understand the complex causes of the disease.

“The discovery of two new risk genes for Alzheimer’s is an exciting advance that could help to deepen our understanding of what happens in the brains of people with the disease.

“These genes reinforce a critical role for special cells in the brain - called microglia - that are responsible for clearing up debris including damaged cells and proteins.”

Dr Brown said such findings helped to show researchers where to focus their efforts in the search for new, effective treatments.

The researcher from Cardiff University was published in Nature Genetics.