A research from Fundació ACE, with the participation of Dr. Mercè Boada, head of the Alzheimer research group at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) has identified the first gene linked to the control mechanism of brain's energy consumption and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the finding of this target is the first contribution that has been made from Spain on this neurodegenerative disorder, using genome-wide association studies (GWAS)."We have done a great effort to unravel the genetic basis of Alzheimer's disease in our country, and we have participated in various studies planned by other groups, but never before we had made a study of this magnitude led from here. The new gene discovered is 'incontrovertible' from the statistical point of view, far exceeding probability thresholds established by the international scientific community”, values Dr. Agustin Ruiz, research director of the study.The international scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry, with the greatest impact in its field and belonging to the prestigious Nature Publishing Group, publishes the results of the study "http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/mp201386a.html" "ATP5H/KCTD2 locus is Associated to Alzheimer's disease risk" on this new gene. In this study, Fundació ACE has collaborated with major international research groups which participate in the consortium CHARGE (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology), and the Andalusian company of genomics research in biomedicine Neocodex. "Our philosophy is to promote collaborative efforts like this to obtain reliable results in the field of Alzheimer's’ genetics", says Dr. Mercè Boada. In the study also participated the hospitals Clínico San Carlos and Cantoblanco, both in Madrid, and the Hospital Universitario Vírgen de la Arrixaca of Murcia.