Prof. Julie Williams of Cardiff University, one of the leading Alzheimer’s experts in the United Kingdom, believes that a treatment for the most common forms of the disease could be developed within 20 years. This is a result of their research identifying 92 genes that significantly increase the risk of developing the progressive disease, whereas in 2009 they were only aware of 3.
Prof. Williams, who has studied Alzheimer’s for 30 years and was awarded a CBE for her research, believes that gene therapy, along with a better understanding from international studies, is constantly revealing new information to scientists. Tests that once cost millions can now be performed for approximately £30, and this study found that defective genes can alter the function of immune cells called microglia, resulting in the death of healthy brain cells.
Prof. Williams stated that there will never be a single cause for Alzheimer’s disease; rather, multiple factors contribute to its development, and several therapies may help delay or prevent the disease. Some of the medications have already been approved for use in other conditions and could be used in the clinic within five years.
More than 850,000 people in the United Kingdom are affected by dementia, with those over the age of 65 being the most susceptible. Prof. Julie Williams is optimistic that a treatment for Alzheimer’s will be developed by 2040, offering a variety of treatments and therapies to delay or prevent the disease.
