Researchers identify five Alzheimer's genes

Two new studies — which examined 50,000 subjects worldwide — have identified five new genes that are definitively associated with Alzheimer's, according to a study published in the journal Nature Genetics.

This discovery might provide some clues as to how these genes work together, which could quicken the development of new therapies for the neurodegenerative disease, Bloomberg News reported.

"These findings add key information needed to understand the causes of Alzheimer's disease and should help in discovering approaches to its treatment and prevention," said researcher David Bennett, an Alzheimer's researcher at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.