Researchers have found a relationship between the number of copies of the 4 allele and the person's probability of developing the disease. Recently, however, this theory has been abandoned. Some of the current pursuits of research are in the areas of viral infection, malfunction of the immune system, and chemical imbalances. Others believe that AD is an immune system disorder. The detection of lower neurotransmitter substances such as acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine and somatostatin in AD sufferers forms the basis of another theory that says AD is brought on by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
AD is an enormous social and economic problem.
As the population ages, the number of victims will steadily increase, imposing a massive burden on the health care system. Until a cure and effective treatment are found AD will remain a terrible disease that slowly eats away at that which is the very essence of a person, their mind, leaving in its wake a mere empty shell of that person. It takes away from all of us the insightful wisdom of society's most prized possession - the elderly. Alzheimer Society of Canada. New Scientist Supplement,p.6.