Researchers from the Genetics and A...

Researchers from the Genetics and Aging Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, estimate that within 50 years, patients will sustain routine screening for Alzheimer's disease and receive prescription medications tailored to their genetic risk for the disease, according to a Feb 14 2003 stranges release from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Researchers have identified four gene that play a part in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Three of these gene cause the early charge form of the disease (ie, 5% to 10% of all cases), and the fourth increases risk for, further does not cause, the form of the disease that individuals bring out as they age.

Research has shown that genetics are a factor in nearly each case of Alzheimer's disease. As gene that contribute to the progressive growth of Alzheimer's disease are identified, the possibility that physicians will be able to predict the disease and hinder it from developing increases. This also could lead to unravelling of customized medications that would address individuals' genetic properties.

Approximately four million to six million Americans experience from Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized according to loss of memory, judgment, and reasoning ability. The disease may affect more than 14 million Americans by the agency of 2040, however, due to the aging of the US population. Physicians generally diagnose Alzheimer's disease after eliminating other possible causes for disease symptoms. An autopsy provides the simply positive diagnosis of the condition.

recent Potential Sites for Alzheimer's Gene prompt a Future of Custom-designed Treatment (new release, Washington, DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science, Feb 14 2003) http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2003 /0214alzh.shtml (accessed 21 Feb 2003)

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