Scotland??s coal mines yield fresh data on risk factors for Alzheimer??s disease

An unlikely source, perhaps, but data from coal-mining families have helped to determine subpopulations at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These data were collected as part of a large epidemiological study in Scotland. The study has yielded valuable information on the geographical distribution of Alzheimer’s disease, and some of the key risk factors linked to early disease onset. The study was presented by Professor Lawrence Whalley from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, at the 10th International Conference of ‘Alzheimer’s Disease International’ [ Edinburgh, Scotland; September 1991 ].