In the search for new genes in Alzheimer's disease, classic linkage-based and 
candidate-gene-based association studies have been supplanted by exome 
sequencing, genome-wide sequencing (for mendelian forms of Alzheimer's disease), 
and genome-wide association studies (for non-mendelian forms). The 
identification of new susceptibility genes has opened new avenues for 
exploration of the underlying disease mechanisms. In addition to detecting novel 
risk factors in large samples, next-generation sequencing approaches can deliver 
novel insights with even small numbers of patients. The shift in focus towards 
translational studies and sequencing of individual patients places each 
patient's biomaterials as the central unit of genetic studies. The notional 
shift needed to make the patient central to genetic studies will necessitate 
strong collaboration and input from clinical neurologists.