This triggers an excitotoxic insult that results in pathological increases in presynaptic glutamate release, resulting in neuronal damage, loss of olfactory sensory neurons, reduction in VGLUT2, and, ultimately, early signs of AD which include loss of olfactory sensitivity and memory impairments (Figs. 8 and 9). The gene discussed is SLC17A6; the disease is memory impairment.