ALZHEIMER’S

 By Joseph Hazan,M.D.,FACOG

There are genetic factors associated

with Alzheimer’s disease.

These genetic markers  are identified at

Washington University School of Medicine

by Alison M. Goate and John C. Morris.

The genes recently identified are called

clustrin (APOJ) on chromosome 8 and

PICALM on chromosome 11.

The clustrin gene is thought to be associated

with the tendency to accumulation of amyloid

and plaques.

The PICALM gene is thought to be related to

the breakdown of synapses and could lead to

amyloid deposits.

This research encompassed DNA samples of

19000 individuals and  600,ooo markers.

A gene called APOE4 was found to be related

to the late onset form of the disease.

Association with chronic sleep deprivation

identified as a risk factor.