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Last Updated:
June 29, 2007
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Genetics Of Alzheimer Disease
The Alzheimer Disease
Research Center (ADRC) at the University of Pittsburgh and the National
Institute of Aging (NIA) are currently studying
genes that may play a role in Alzheimer Disease. Genetic Research seeks to
understand how and why a disease develops. With this understanding,
diagnostic tests and ultimately effective treatments or a cure may be available.
We are trying to find out the causes of
Alzheimer Disease and of the disturbing symptoms, delusions
and hallucinations, which are experienced by many individuals who develop
Alzheimer Disease. We are interested in finding out why Alzheimer Disease, and these
symptoms, run in families. This could be due to inherited (genetic) factors, and/or due to
factors in the environment. It is through the help of individuals and families that researchers
can sort out these possibilities and ultimately identify genes that contribute to disease.
In order
to investigate these possibilities, we examine genetic markers in the blood
in several ways. Some studies compare the members of a family who have
Alzheimer Disease with family members who do not have it, or compare family members with Alzheimer Disease to each other. Comparing
family members who have Alzheimer Disease to those without it is meant to
identify differences between the two groups. When two members (usually
siblings) who both have Alzheimer Disease are compared, researchers look for
common inherited markers. Other types of genetic studies do not involve families,
instead comparing differences in genetic markers between individuals who have
Alzheimer Disease and unrelated elderly individuals without Alzheimer Disease.
At the
University of Pittsburgh, we have several projects studying the genetic
basis of Alzheimer Disease.
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National
Alzheimer
Disease
Genetics
Initiative
(National Cell Repository for Alzheimer Disease)
The National Institute
on Aging has established a new initiative to identify and evaluate a total of
1000 families with Alzheimer Disease. To achieve this goal, they have asked
Alzheimer Disease Research Centers around the country, including the University
of Pittsburgh, to participate. The Genetics Initiative will promote
widespread collaboration and sharing of resources, to help accelerate progress
in Alzheimer Disease genetic research.
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Genetics
Of
Alzheimer
Disease
With
Psychosis
This is a collaborative
study led by the University of Pittsburgh. It is investigating the genetic
linkage between brothers and sisters with Alzheimer Disease. In addition,
this study is looking to identify genes that also play a role in difficult
symptoms, delusions and hallucinations (psychosis), that sometimes accompany
Alzheimer Disease. In addition to the University of Pittsburgh this study is conducted at
Duke University, Washington University, and the University of Alabama.
This study is no longer
recruiting new participants.
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Molecular
Pharmacology
Of
Psychosis
Risk
In
Alzheimer's
Disease
Like the above studies, this study is also looking to identify genes that play
a role in difficult symptoms, delusions and hallucinations (psychosis) that
sometimes accompany Alzheimer Disease. However, this study focuses on
psychosis symptoms occurring in individuals, rather than within families.
We are interested in learning why some individuals with Alzheimer Disease
develop these symptoms while others do not and to what extent genes may play a
role. To be eligible to participate in the study, individuals must be
participants of the
Alzheimer Disease Research Center at the University of
Pittsburgh and not exhibiting any psychosis symptoms at the
time of Alzheimer Disease Research Center enrollment.
Recruitment for this study ended 4/30/04.
A proposal to continue recruitment is pending.
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Neuropathology
Of Schizophrenia
Patients or their families
who may be interested in brain tissue donation for studies of schizophrenia
should contact:
Dr. Sweet |
Brain
Tissue Donation And Late Life Mood Disorders
Can I participate?
Links for Families
Little is known about the brain–depression connection
One of
the greatest mysteries about human behavior is how the brain’s structure affects
our emotions and mood. There is a growing need for clear knowledge about how the
human brain relates to depression and other mood disorders. Scientists at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) have embarked on a mission to
uncover what happens in the brains of individuals affected by mood disorders.
Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most frequent psychiatric syndromes in
late-life and impacts individuals’ lives by contributing to illness and
disability. Nonetheless, little is known about the brain–depression connection.
Brain
tissue research offers hope
One of the essential resources that researchers depend upon
to study disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease, and severe mental illnesses is brain tissue donated after
death. The study of brain tissue in these and similar conditions has led to a
greater understanding of these illnesses, and hence to new options for treatment
and the hope for an eventual cure. Dr. Robert Sweet has established a Late-Life
Mood Disorders Brain Tissue Collection at UPMC in order to generate greater
understanding of depression and other mood disorders in the eventual pursuit of
improving treatment and increasing hope for affected individuals and their
families. To our knowledge, the Late-Life Mood Disorders Brain Tissue Collection
is the first attempt to establish such a resource with the goal of furthering
the understanding of late-life depression and mood disorders.
Family members are essential to the process
Family members of elderly individuals experiencing a mood
disorder can help in this effort. Many families and patients have expressed
their hope to contribute to a better understanding of mood disorders so that
future generations not have to contend with such a debilitating illness. It is a
good idea for patients and families to discuss their thoughts together in order
to facilitate the decision-making process. Patients’ families are invited to
speak with the treating clinician to ask questions or obtain further
information. Although an individual can make a personal request and provide
provisional consent to donate his/her tissue, ultimately it is the surviving
family members who have the responsibility, at the time of their loved one’s
death, of deciding whether this unique and valuable contribution will be made .
Patients and families are offering hope to future generations
Families and individuals affected by a mood disorder can have a
powerful role influencing scientists’ ability to improve knowledge and thereby
enhance future treatment options and possibly lead to the prevention of
depression and other similar illnesses. Ultimately, affected individuals and
their families are the only ones who can contribute in this very special way.
Facts about brain tissue donation
1. The donor’s family must authorize the autopsy before it
can be performed.
2. A brain only autopsy is performed very carefully and
involves an incision at the back of the head. The incision will not be
noticeable in any way, and does not prevent an open casket viewing.
3. The donor can request that a copy of the brain autopsy
report be shared with his/her family.
4. Research funds cover the costs for the procedure.
5. Brain tissue donation does not conflict with most
religious perspectives. Please speak to your clergy person if you have
questions.
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For Further Information
If you are a patient who is already participating in a
research study at the Late-Life Mood Disorders Clinic, please feel free to
discuss your thoughts about brain tissue donation with your clinician. If you
are a family member of a patient, please feel free to contact the treating
clinician for further information or contact:
The study coordinator
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