Four new Alzheimer's genes discovered

Researchers have discovered four new genes that increase the risk of acquiring Alzheimer's, a degenerative disease that affects one in eight Americans over age 65. The more genes known to contribute to Alzheimer's, the better is the chance of developing an effective drug to treat the disease. But the genes will likely not be used in predictive tests for patients, said Ausim Azizi, head of neurology at Temple's School of Medicine. "In the long run, though, it's going to be one of those genes that contribute to our understanding of how the genetic factors play in," he said.
April 4, 2011 | WHYY-FM