Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there. At present, about 33.9 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's disease, and this is anticipated to triple over the next 40 years. While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, research has shown that genetics play a role in the development of the disease. Genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include mutations in the genes that code for the proteins amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PSEN1). Mutations in these genes are associated with an increased risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which typically occurs before the age of 65. Other genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include mutations in the genes that code for apolipoprotein E (APOE) which are associated with an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and the FTO gene which influences the metabolism of amyloid-beta, a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Studies have shown that individuals with certain variants of the FTO gene are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those without the gene. In particular, individuals with the rs9939609 variant of the FTO gene have been found to be at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This variant is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 40%. The exact mechanism by which the FTO gene increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood. However, it is believed that the FTO gene may influence the metabolism of amyloid-beta, which is a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It is thought that the FTO gene may affect the metabolism of amyloid-beta by altering the activity of certain enzymes involved in the breakdown of the protein. It is important to note that having one or more of these genetic risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, most people with these genetic risk factors will never develop the disease. However, it is important to be aware of these genetic risk factors so that individuals can make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.