Alzheimer’s has long been referred to as the “cruelest” of diseases – currently, it is estimated that 5.3 million Americans suffer from it.

But perhaps even sadder than those who become afflicted in their latter years are the 200,000 who are early onset victims of the disease.  However, new research may provide more of a clue as to exactly how the disorder occurs in these patients.

For some time, scientists have isolated a gene that is associated with early onset Alzheimer’s.  Recently, however, they have discovered how the mutation of that gene affects the brain. 

Through his research Ralph Nixon, MD, Phd, a professor of psychiatry and cell biology at New York University Langone Medical Center and director of the Center for Dementia Research at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, has discovered that the gene, in normal circumstances, works to rid brain cells of excess protein.

Nixon tells WebMd that the gene acts as a “house cleaning” agent by ridding cells of waste.  This gene is only mutated in early onset cases; however, Nixon’s findings could eventually help all Alzheimer’s patients because the havoc the gene causes in the brain is seen in all cases, across the board.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early onset of the disease is particularly problematic because physicians do not typically consider Alzheimer’s to be present in patients under 65.  Many of those suffering from this type of Alzheimer’s are still working when they begin to show symptoms, leading to all manner of complications on the job. 

If these early onset victims leave their jobs before a diagnosis can be made, they could feasibly be denied disability benefits.