Abstract: Alzheimer's disease is a genetically complex disorder, and to date, three genes〔those that encode amyloid precursor protein(APP) and the presenilins(PS1 and PS2)〕 have been found to cause earlyonset familial AD and one genetic risk factor that encodes apolipoprotein E(APOE) lead to lateonset AD. In addition to the mutations in 4 known genes associated with AD, mutations in other genes may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. A large number of studies that aimed to help uncover the remaining disease-related loci have been published in recent decades. The search continues for the discovery of additional genetic influences. Here we provide a review on some main AD candidate genes.

Key words: Alzheimer's disease, candidate genes, molecular genetics