Alzheimer's Genome Project
The core research effort currently funded by Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is the Alzheimer's Genome Project™ (AGP) initiative, led by Dr. Tanzi, which has the objective of identifying all relevant remaining Alzheimer’s genes that have not yet been discovered, thereby identifying more targets for the development of therapeutic interventions. A milestone for this project was achieved in 2008 with the identification of 70 new genes that confer risk for or protection against Alzheimer’s. This effort represents some of the most important Alzheimer’s breakthroughs in recent history, as the genes will greatly facilitate the development of effective therapies for the disease. Each newly identified gene offers fresh understanding of the pathology of the disease and holds promise for the development of therapeutic intervention.
Other research projects related to the AGP, funded by Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, are:
Alzheimer’s Disease Brain-Genetic Study
This program, led by Dr. Bradley Hyman (MIND), compares the pathological features of autopsied brains of deceased AD patients with those of non-demented subjects to link AD pathology to genetic factors.
Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical-Genetic Study
This program, headed by Dr. Deborah Blacker (MGH), tracks patients with “benign forgetfulness,” mild cognitive impairment and AD using imaging and cognitive tests to link clinical feature of AD to genetic factors.
Alzheimer’s Disease Gene Database
This Internet database and forum, headed by Dr. Lars Bertram (MIND), gathers and analyzes all published studies and data relating to AD genetics, and provides weekly updates regarding ongoing attempts to identify novel AD genes.
