" There are studies showing that this gene called BDNF, which leads to the development of new brain cells, has certain variants that are protective against Alzheimer’s. We are also looking at other genes that are related to anti-inflammatory properties. It’s not just about the negatives with our genes. There are positive things too. Looking at people who have lived over 100 years and don’t have any cognitive issues, we know there might be some genetic variants to them that shows this idea of protective or resilience as far as their cognition goes. "