Alzheimer’s disease has genetic origins
16 Jan 2013 6:49 AM IST
More than a century after Alzheimer’s disease was identified in a patient, an analysis of his brain specimen has revealed the genetic origin of the nuero-degenerative condition.
The specimen tested was discovered in a university basement late last century after a search by rival teams of academics.
‘It is extremely satisfying to place this last piece in the medical puzzle that Auguste Deter, the first ever Alzheimer patient, presented us with,’ said Professor Manuel Graeber, from the University of Sydney.
‘It is not only of historical interest, however, as it ends any speculation about whether the disease is correctly named after Alois Alzheimer. ‘Alzheimer’s ability to recognise this dementia more than a century ago provides compelling support for specialisation in medicine.
The specimen tested was discovered in a university basement late last century after a search by rival teams of academics.
‘It is extremely satisfying to place this last piece in the medical puzzle that Auguste Deter, the first ever Alzheimer patient, presented us with,’ said Professor Manuel Graeber, from the University of Sydney.
‘It is not only of historical interest, however, as it ends any speculation about whether the disease is correctly named after Alois Alzheimer. ‘Alzheimer’s ability to recognise this dementia more than a century ago provides compelling support for specialisation in medicine.
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