Summary: Kolata discusses studies attempting to find the gene that causes Alzheimer's and whether or not this is the reason behind the common genetic relation. Some conflicting information says that if this was fully genetic, there would be more people contracting the disease. However it is believed that are different classifications of the types of AD. For example, there are classical signs versus non-classical signs. Classical signs are more severe but both cases would be considered AD. Perhaps the difference is owed to different genes.
Key Facts:
"Some doctors speculate that Alzheimer's is caused by environmental factors or infectious agents such as slow viruses."
"Nevertheless, researches agree that Alzheimer's can be inherited."
"Eleven percent of the population over age 85 has Alzheimer's."
"Again, they found that the classical Alzheimer's cases were in the majority and that the disease sees to be inherited in these patients as though it were caused by a dominant gene."
"They do not question that some cases of Alzheimer's are inherited, but do question whether the vast majority are."
"If a gene is found, it will most likely lead to a fundamental understanding of what causes the disease."
Kolata, Gina. "Researchers Hunt for Alzheimer's Disease Gene." JSTOR. American
Association for the Advancement of Science, 26 Apr. 1986. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/1696410>.
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