Lottery aid for Alzheimer's study

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease accounts for 99% cases of the disease

Researchers at Cardiff University are to receive a share of lottery money to investigate the genetics of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

They will collaborate with other scientists in the UK to identify genetic variations that contribute to the development of the disease.

The project aims to provide a greater understanding of the disease.

The Alzheimer's Research Trust is funding the research following an award of £427,240 by the Big Lottery Fund.

Those with Alzheimer's can suffer a loss of short-term memory, confusion about time and place and a depressed mood.

More than 36,500 people in Wales have dementia and Alzheimer's is just one type of dementia.

Identification of these genetic factors will spur further vital research toward the treatments that we so desperately need Rebecca Wood, Alzheimer's Research Trust

Prof Julie Williams from Cardiff University said: "Late-onset Alzheimer's accounts for 99% of cases of the disease.

"Finding genetic factors that contribute to late-onset Alzheimer's will form a basis for further research towards treatments."

The findings will also be used to launch a campaign to inform Alzheimer's patients, their families and carers, of how genetics affects Alzheimer's, and how this information might be used for diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "We are delighted that we have secured this major funding which will help Cardiff University advance our understanding of the genetics of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

"Identification of these genetic factors will spur further vital research toward the treatments that we so desperately need."