A Cal Poly Pomona biochemistry student is working on independent Alzheimers disease research and is trying to secure private funding to further his research.

Reilly Breaux and his research partner, Alex Lopes, who attends MiraCosta College, are working to figure out what happens when different genes associated with Alzheimers are combined rather than isolated.

Alzheimers disease is a form of dementia that causes problems in thinking, memory and behavior that is on the rise in the elderly.

There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimers disease, according to the Alzheimers Association, a non-profit organization.

[Alzheimers disease] has already been extensively researched, but it cant be measured, said Breaux. Its not quantitative because youre just seeing this person has the gene and this person doesnt, but still sometimes they both get Alzheimers. Its a really tricky thing.

Breaux and Lopes research is also looking at a gene that has to do with swelling of the brain.

Weve actually found another gene that might have been overlooked, which has to do with inflammation of the brain and that can attribute to the build up of [beta amyloid protein], said Breaux.

The build up of the beta amyloid protein has been linked to Alzheimers disease, said Breaux.

Were not only trying to research the combinations, the interactions, of certain genes, but also maybe this other gene, which has to deal with inflammation in the brain, is causing it or helping it, said Breaux.

The idea of combining genes was inspired by another project that Breaux is working on, which is an iPhone application that deals with the interaction of drugs.

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Student conducts independent Alzheimer’s research