Scientists discover a surprising cancer link to Alzheimer’s disease

As people grow older, their cells steadily pick up new genetic mutations. A study from Boston Children's Hospital, published in Cell , has uncovered an unexpected twist in that process. Researchers found that microglia, the immune cells that reside in the brain, accumulate mutations in specific cancer-driving genes. Rather than causing cancer, however, these mutations may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.