New research brings 11 new genes into focus as potential links to Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, all associated with the build-up of protein plaques in the brain. The data was made available as a result of the international Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP), according to an Oct. 28 report by The Huffington Post.

The genes in question are associated with cell and brain function, lipid transport and inflammation. The discovery was made possible by one of the largest multinational collaborations of Alzheimer's research across 15 countries, where DNA samples have been procured from more than 74,000 subjects.