Stratification in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition characterised by the accumulation of
beta amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal and synaptic loss (Serrano-Pozo et al, 2011),
which results in reduced cognitive function and eventual loss of independence. The disease affects
approximately 850,000 people in the UK at an estimated cost of 26.3 billion annually (Alzheimer’s Society,
2014), representing a significant personal and economic burden. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is
set to quadruple by 2050 (Brookmeyer et al. 2007). Only by improving our understanding of the
pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and designing new disease-modifying treatments will we be able to
work towards strategies to delay disease onset and progression.
Early onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is defined clinically as presenting before the age of 65 and most
inherited cases are considered to be due to mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1
(PSEN1), and presenilin 2 (PSEN2) genes (Bird, 2008). Late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is a more
complex disorder, likely involving multiple susceptibility genes, of which APOE4 is most prevalent (Bird,
2008).

The purpose of this PhD project study is to stratify patients with different age of onset; 40-50, 50-60, 60-70
and 70-80 in order to determine if there are genetic, biochemical and environmental factors and comorbidities
associated with age of onset. Disease progression will be followed in order to determine if there
are shared features associated with the level of deterioration within and between patients with different age
of onset.

For more information please refer to the following site: http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/files/2016/01/B-Stratification-in-Alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease.pdf