Controversial Alzheimer’s disease risk gene explained in new study

Research into whether the mitochondrial gene TOMM40 increases risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been conflicting, with multiple studies failing to replicate the results of the original study. However, new results from Iowa State University (IA, USA) could finally settle the dispute. The new study saw Auriel Willette (Iowa State University) and colleagues investigate whether other factors might affect the risk effect, thus explaining the mixed findings from other studies. The team examined data from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, which follows middle-aged people at risk for AD, and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, which monitors memory and cognitive changes...