Brain-Heart Connections (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption In the largest genetic study of Alzheimer's disease, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of California, San Francisco, have found that genes that increase risk of cardiovascular disease also heighten the risk for Alzheimer's. Credit Illustration by Michael Worful Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.