Researchers identify 48 new genetic risk regions for Alzheimer's

An international research team, led by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has identified 48 previously unknown genetic regions associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Published in the journal Nature, the study represents the largest genetic association study of its kind, analyzing genetic data from approximately 2.8 million individuals, including over 183,000 people with the disease.

The findings bring the total number of identified genetic risk regions to 127. The research highlights the critical role of biological processes involving immune and nerve cells in the brain. Specifically, the study points to microglia—immune cells responsible for clearing damaged cellular material and harmful substances—as a central factor in the disease's development.

While the study included diverse populations, 91 percent of participants were of European descent. The analysis identified 118 significant loci across multiple ancestry groups, with additional loci found in population-specific evaluations. Experts suggest these insights into the genetic drivers of Alzheimer's could provide significant opportunities for developing future therapies.