Gene may predict increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Miami have identified a gene that seems to double a person's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The discovery means scientists may learn more about how the disease develops, and they may be able to tell who is at increased risk.

``I hope that in the next five to 10 years we can see major improvements -- a combination of therapies and prevention through exercise, both physical and mental, diet and other things,'' Margaret Pericak-Vance told the Miami Herald. She is director of the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the UM Medical School and principal investigator in the study.

The new gene influences homocysteine levels, high levels of which have been shown to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

The news release from the American Academy of Neurology.

The story from MedScape.