A group of European researchers identified 75 areas of the human genome associated with Alzheimer’s disease, 42 of which had never been linked to the disease. The new list of genes offers opportunities to improve the disease as well as expectations for effective treatment.
The study collected data from 111,326 cases to characterize the genetic picture of Alzheimer’s disease. For comparative study, human genome data from 677,663 healthy individuals were also analyzed.
The genomes were provided by clinics in more than 15 European Union countries and data came from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Iceland, Nigeria, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The 42 genes associated with the disease indicate new ways to combat its progression.
Furthermore, smoking, physical activity or diet can directly influence the risk of developing the disease.
