Kári Stefánsson Awarded For Alzheimer’s Research

Founder of deCODE Genetics Kári Stefánsson was recognised by the Alzheimer’s Association for his work in researching the genetic aspects of the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, being held in Copenhagen, recognises the achievements of scientists from the around the world in the fight against the disease. Amongst the recipients of the Inge Grundke-Iqbal Award for Alzheimer’s Research is deCODE founder and CEO Kári Stefánsson.

“This was awarded for the research [deCODE] did in cooperation with doctors at the National Hospital,” Kári told RÚV. “There, we found a genetic mutation which protects against Alzheimer’s, so that those with this mutation don’t get Alzheimer’s.”

More detailed results of these findings were published in the July 2012 edition of Nature. The research has inspired several pharmaceutical companies to work on medication that is related to this anti-Alzheimer’s mutation.

“[The award] is quite like getting a star next to your name when you were in grade school,” he told reporters. “It isn’t more significant than that.”