A variant of the APOE gene, which has been identified as a probable cause, has been shown to lead to early development of the disease. The e4 variant being present does not mean that one is automatically doomed to get early onset Alzheimer's however. Scientists are cautioning that the presence of this genetic variant is not to be used as a mass screening tool because it is a poor predictor of risk.
The beta amyloid proteins found in the senile plaques in Alzheimer's brains are being carefully studied as a causative factor in the disease. Harvard researchers are using monkeys to study this protein and its link to AD.
A very large database of articles on this topic can be found here at Alzheimer's.com.
The amount of information available on probable or likely causes of the disease seems endless. Perhaps one day one single, specific causative factor will be identified.
Next Article: Safety in the Home
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