The study is part of an ongoing effort to make genetic mapping more useful in health prediction enabling modern medicine to become more effective. As per Paul Thompson who is a Professor of Neurology at the University of California this is the first time that such a gene defect has been recorded in a large number of people.

"The results are curious. If you have the bad FTO gene, your weight affects your brain adversely in terms of tissue loss. If you don't carry this gene, higher body weight doesn't translate into brain defects", said Thompson.

Monica Alvarado, the Genetic Services Administrator in the Southern California region felt that it was important to have these tests done along with counseling. The counseling should be done before, during and after the tests so that the person is made fully aware of the problem and the options he has.

As of now there seems not much that modern medicine can do to help reduce the risk.