This complex, multifactorial disease, which usually develops after the age of 65, has a strong genetic component. Most cases are thought to be caused by the interaction of different genetic predisposition factors with environmental (e.g. diet, lifestyle) factors. 

Although our understanding of the disease continues to improve, there is no cure at this time. The medications available are mainly aimed at slowing cognitive decline and reducing certain behavioural disorders. To better understand the origins of the disease, one of the major challenges of research is to better characterise its genetic risk factors by identifying the biochemical and cellular processes affected, and thereby propose novel therapeutic targets. 

Read the University of Bristol press release

Paper: 'New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementias' by Bellenguez et al. in Nature Genetics.