Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease : a genetic-epidemiologic study

The work presented in this thesis has been motivated by the Jack of knowledge of risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. It has been long recognised that genetic factors are implicated, in particular in early-onset Alzheimer's disease.4 But to what extent are genetic factors involved? Are all cases with Alzheimer's disease of genetic origin or is the disease in some cases primarily of envîronmental origin? If the latter is true, which envîronmental factors may lead to Alzheimer's disease and how do these factors interact with the genetic component? The research described in this thesis aimed at resolvîng these questions. The studies of Alzheimt;;r's disease presented bere have started very much from an epidemiologie point of view. Yet, the issues addressed in this thesis required methodologie and analytic techniques of the field of genetics. The schools of thought of bath epidemiology and genetics are also reflected in the design of the various studies on which this thesis is based. Same studies follow the traditional epidemiologie design as they deal with camparisans of cases and controls. Other are more compatible with genetic studies as relatives of cases and controls are the subject of investigation.

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