The genes emerged from a study of over 1, 300 families, and although the genes' exact role in Alzheimer's isn't known yet, researchers think they may contribute to the death of nerve cells.
If no neuroligin-1 is formed, the nerve endings remain at an immature stage and release fewer neurotransmitters; the flow of information is interrupted.
To learn more, the group looked at 1-year-old mice and found that their sciatic nerve, the large nerve in the back that runs into the legs, had lost myelin.