Andras L Palotas, M.D., Ph.D.
Asklepios-Med Bt.
Szeged, Hungary

2008 New Investigator Research Grant

The genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease are not well understood. One variant gene is known to increase a person's risk for acquiring Alzheimer's. Yet scientists believe that other genes may contribute to such risk.

Researchers have found numerous altered genes in people with Alzheimer's disease. Many of these gene mutants are associated with white blood cells, which are involved in the body’s immune system, and fibroblast cells, which help make up the body’s connective tissues. Such genes may be associated with Alzheimer development.

Andras L. Palotas, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues plan to use sophisticated genetic screening techniques to search for Alzheimer-related gene variants in white blood cells and fibroblasts. Their effort will involve analysis of about 22,000 blood cell and fibroblast genes from people with Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders.

The results of this study could lead to an accurate, safe and relatively inexpensive method for diagnosing dementia in its earliest stages.