Genome-wide imaging study identifies a new gene called BCHE, found to be associated with Alzheimer's plaques
The is the first genome-wide association study of plaque deposits using a specialized PET scan tracer that binds to amyloid – florbetapir. This imaging tracer allows physicians to see the level of plaque buildup in a patient's brain, something that previously could be determined only with an autopsy.
The researchers conducted PET scans of 555 participants in theAlzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, a long-term public-private research project that includes people at risk for Alzheimer's disease and patients who have been diagnosed with the disease as well as participants with no symptoms.
The analysis found that a variant in BCHE was significantly associated with the levels of plaque deposits.
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