Alzheimer's disease as a polygenic disease

Recent advances in molecular genetics have enabled the identification of the causative genes for early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, sporadic and late-onset familial AD, the most common forms of AD, are considered to be polygenic disorders. The presence of APOE4, one of the specific alleles of the apolipoprotein E gene, has been established as a major genetic risk factor for the development of AD. Additional risk factors are under active investigation. Such new approaches are expected to establish preventive measures or treatments for AD.