Gene Linked to Alzheimer’s Discovered

A gene known to affect the aging process has been linked to amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered that the gene, SIRT1, controls production of the protein fragments that comprise the amyloid plaques. In research they noticed that increased levels of SIRT1 led to learning and memory improvements, while cognitive function appeared to decline when the gene was removed. The discovery of the link could lead to promising treatments.