Scientists Find Gene Linked to Inherited Stroke Disease

Scientists appear to have found the gene for an unusual inherited condition that causes strokes and dementia.

The gene, called Notch3, was found to be altered in people with the disease. The disorder is called CADASIL, for cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy.

It strikes on average at age 45, and affected people also often have depression and migraine headaches. Patients typically die by age 65.

The new work, by French researchers, is reported in the Oct. 24 issue of the journal Nature. The scientists said it will take more study to figure out how the gene causes the disease.