These families help researchers find Alzheimer’s treatments. Their network is at risk

June Ward (right) — pictured with her sisters Susie Gilliam (center) and Karen Douthitt (left) — carries a rare gene mutation that virtually guarantees she will get Alzheimer

Families with rare gene mutations that cause Alzheimer’s in middle age are giving scientists a unique window on the disease, and a quick way to test potential treatments.

(Image credit: Juan Diego Reyes for NPR)