A new locus on chromosome 19 linked with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cognitive decline and distinctive neuropathology. APOE 4 and APOCI A on chromosome 19 are risk factors for late-onset disease. Using large extended families with multiple siblings affected, we have identified several microsatellite markers which are also linked with late- onset Alzheimer's disease. These microsatellites are distal from the apolipoprotein cluster on chromosome 19. It is likely that multiple genes will be involved with late-onset disease, either as risk factors or as causative agents.