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What causes Alzheimer's disease?

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The cause of Alzheimer's is unknown. Mutations in a gene on chromosome 21, which is also associated with Down syndrome , and another gene on chromosome 14 have been found in early-onset cases. Late-onset cases, which are the vast majority, may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In 1999 scientists discovered an enzyme, named beta-secretase, that begins the process in the brain leading to Alzheimer's disease.

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Get more facts and information about Alzheimers disease . Or, view the full encyclopedia entry from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.

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