dementia

Using large-scale GWAS data, researchers saw shared genetic contributors for ALS and frontotemporal dementia, as well as ALS and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Speakers at HudsonAlpha's Genomic Medicine Conference said while sequencing results sometimes result in a diagnosis and change in care, they often have no consequence.

Based on their genome-wide association study, investigators argued that the dementia condition is not simply an extension of Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Researchers saw partial overlap between variants influencing age-related methylation and neuronal patterns and those implicated in other traits or diseases.

The companies said they aim to discover next-generation tests that will enable early diagnosis of dementia, as well as treatment selection and monitoring.

Five research teams from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University will split the funding.