Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Awards Harvard Geneticist Rudy Tanzi

The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has awarded a $1 million grant to Harvard geneticist Rudy Tanzi. Their plan:

1. Identify all the genes associated with Alzheimer’s by the summer of 2008.
2. Study gene function and how mutations affect gene function.
3. Explore potential drug candidates.
4. Test drugs in animals and humans.

Although their stated mission is to “fund research with the highest probability of slowing, stopping or reversing Alzheimer’s disease by 2016,” they are focusing solely on genes and related treatments. Some scientists are skeptical of the all-gene approach, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with concentrating on one specific area of Alzheimer’s research. If they can handle the genetic aspects, perhaps others can devote more resources to studying lifestyle and other risk factors.

The Boston Globe, November 2, 2006

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