Summary Studies have link between Alzheimer's disease and a rare gene mutation that affects immune system.
According to two studies, Alzheimer's is a form of distressing brain-wasting disease that gradually robs people of their memories and their ability to lead independent lives. Its main characteristic is the build up of protein tangles and plaques inside and between brain cells, which eventually disrupts their ability to communicate with each other.
Both teams conclude that a rare mutation in a gene called TREM2, which helps trigger immune system responses, raises the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. One study suggests it raises it three-fold, the other, four-fold.
"While the genetic mutation we found is extremely rare, its effect on the immune system is a strong indicator that this system may be a key player in the disease."
In the UCL-led study, which included researchers from 44 institutions around the world, the researchers used data on a total of 25,000 people.
