Gene Combination Added To Alzheimer’s Puzzle

Researchers on Monday added a combination of flawed genes - found in one out of every 600 people - to the list of factors linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

University of Pittsburgh researchers announced they have identified a gene flaw that, in the presence of another flawed gene already linked to Alzheimer’s, could greatly increase the likelihood of developing the illness.

Dr. Steven T. DeKosky, who co-authored the study, said it demonstrates the complexity of Alzheimer’s and noted the gene combination is only a link, not a direct cause of the disease.

The risk of developing the disease depends on many factors, including how long a person lives and whether they have had head injuries.