The invention relates to DNA polymorphisms in sterol regulator element binding proteins (SREBP) that are characteristic of a higher risk of genetic diseases in humans such as hyperchlolesterolemia. The corresponding polymorphisms, especially the polymorphisms on SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 are frequently observed in Alzheimer patients (SREBP-2). They are also characterized by a specific behavior in the therapy of HIV patients with proteas inhibitors and appear to have an influence on the mortality.