New research published in JAMA has suggested that specific variations in the CETP gene were associated with slower memory decline and lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

There are rare inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease but the most common form is caused by a range of factors including: a combination of different genes, life style factors and life events.

'Having a family member with dementia does not mean you will necessarily inherit the condition yourself. Alzheimer's disease, the most common dementia, is likely to be caused by interaction between genetic disposition, life style and life events. Many genes are probably involved each conferring a degree of risk.

However, research into genetics can help us better understand the processes that lead to the diseases that cause dementia and could potentially lead to new treatments.

This relatively small study suggests that variations in this particular gene - linked with long life and lower risk of heart disease - could also be associated with lower risk of dementia. More research is needed to fully understand this link. The government currently invests eight times less in dementia research than cancer research. This needs to change.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference: "Association of a Functional Polymorphism in the Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Gene With Memory Decline and Incidence of Dementia."
Sanders AE, Wang C, Katz M, Derby CA, Barzilai N, Ozelius L, Lipton RB.
JAMA. January 2010 - vol 303, No 2.

• Source: Alzheimer's Society