Research leads revolution in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Kevin Morgan, Professor of Human Genomics and Molecular Genetics, in the Institute of Genetics, leads the Alzheimer’s disease research group at The University of Nottingham. He said: “Groups worldwide have spent the last 20 years searching for these genes. The consortium has played a major part in finding all of the genes before anybody else. Our aim is to improve the lives of AD patients and their families, who live with the fear that they will also develop the disease. Until now the genetics of late-onset AD have been poorly understood. We are now on the way to identifying all the genetic factors that contribute to late-onset AD. This research is already spurring on additional research towards treatments based on specific genetic issues which contribute to the disease.”

The UK-led research involved scientists from universities in Cardiff, London, Cambridge, Nottingham, Southampton, Manchester, Oxford, Bristol and Belfast. They collaborated with Irish, German, Belgian, Greek and American institutions.

In September 2009 this consortium of scientists published the results from the largest ever Alzheimer’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) which led to the discovery of two new genes associated with the disease.

The results were described by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust as a leap forward for dementia research. The research paper was described by Time Magazine as one of the top ten breakthroughs in medical research for 2009.  The paper has been cited 168 times to date.

Over the last decade, in collaboration with seven Alzheimer’s Research Trust (ART) Network Centres, The University of Nottingham has established one of the largest collections of DNA samples from Alzheimer’s disease and control patients worldwide. Over 4000 samples are stored at seven UK centres under the supervision of Professor Morgan. This resource has been used successfully in a number of studies into the genetic make-up of AD.

Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of contracting AD.  Scientists have spent the last 20 years searching for the genetic causes. Until recently only one gene had been known to increase disease risk for the common form of Alzheimer’s disease with late onset.

Professor Morgan, who is based in the School of Molecular Medical Sciences, says this subsequent paper will be of similar importance. He said: “We receive constant enquiries about the genetic influence of late-onset AD. These questions must be scientifically answered to clarify confusion and help in the treatment of this dreadful disease. The value of the ART resource will increase as more results and samples become available.  It will allow us to close in on even smaller genetic effects and identify the actual genetic differences that are important for AD risk.”

Dr John Williams, The Wellcome Trust's Head of Neuroscience and Mental Health added: "As our population ages, we will see more and more people affected by Alzheimer's disease. It is distressing both to patients and their families and places a heavy economic burden on our society. Understanding the complex processes that underpin the disease will be essential to earlier diagnosis and to developing improved treatments.

"This interesting new study takes a step further along this path."

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “UK scientists are leading the field in our understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s. These findings are a step towards defeating dementia. We are yet to find ways of halting this devastating condition, but this work is likely to spark off new ideas, collaborations and more research.
 
“UK scientists are making fantastic progress towards defeating dementia and we need to support them all the way. With enough investment in research we can offer hope to the 35 million people worldwide who live with dementia.”


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