Early onset Alzheimer's disease is a devastating genetic condition, but researchers say they have finally solved one part of the mystery surrounding it.
Years ago, scientists discovered that families with a history of Alzheimer's often had mutations in a certain gene known as the presenilin gene. Today it is widely accepted that changes in this gene are a major cause for early onset Alzheimer's, but until recently, little was known about how it affected the brain.
Researchers have discovered that changes in presenilin influence communication between brain cells. Using lab mice, the scientists learned how mutations in the gene affected the way information was relayed in the brain and disrupted learning and memory. The study's authors believe these communication problems may lead to the dementia seen in Alzheimer's patients. These findings offer a better understanding of presenilin which researchers hope will aid in the battle against Alzheimer's disease.
The study was published in Nature.
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