The Genetics of Alzheimer Disease

Abstract excerpt

Four genes involved in the development of Alzheimer disease have been identified. Three fully penetrant (deterministic) genes lead to the development of Alzheimer disease in patients younger than 60 years: the amyloid beta-protein precursor on chromosome 21, presenilin 1 on chromosome 14, and presenilin 2 on chromosome 1. Together, they account for about half of this early-onset form of the disease. One genetic...