Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that causes brain cells to die and areas of the brain to shrink. This affects parts of the brain that control memory thinking and language. This disease usually worsens over time and can make it hard for people to do everyday things like talking, walking, or even eating. AD can develop due to old age, genetic, and lifestyle factors.  

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include: 

• Forgetfulness
• Confusion
• Trouble with language
• Changes in mood or behavior 

There is currently no cure for AD. Medications and therapy are used to slow down the disease. It is important for people with AD to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. 

How is the research done?

The study team wants to learn more about AD by finding traits associated with this disease. They will use BioVU resources to look at the genes of those with AD. The team will use this information to find genes that are linked to developing AD. They will also look for traits and patient medical history, like blood pressure, to find factors that may be related to having this disease. The team will also look into common changes in the brain that happen to those with AD, such as shrinking of the brain, to see why such clinical traits of AD happen. This can help us learn more about what causes AD. 

What is the importance of this study? 

AD is a very serious condition that gets worse over time. Scientists want to learn how the brain changes as we age. This research can help learn more about how AD is developed and what other problems can impact the health of the brain. Researchers hope to find new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease.