Genetics of Dementia

Dementia is a progressive mental illness marked by a decrease in cognitive abilities such as memory and decision-making. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetics plays an important role in the development of dementia, as it increases the likelihood of developing the disorder and can also determine the course and severity of symptoms. Recent research has shown that a number of genes are associated with dementia; the most well-known being APOE and PICALM. Understanding the genetics of dementia is important in helping to identify individuals at risk of the disorder, develop new treatments, and improve our understanding of its causes and progression.