Molecular mechanisms for Alzheimer's disease: Implications for neuroimaging and therapeutics

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the gradual onset of dementia. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss and reactive gliosis. The current therapeutic effort is directed towards developing drugs that reduce Aβ burden or toxicity by inhibiting secretase cleavage, Aβ aggregation, Aβ toxicity, Aβ metal interactions or by promoting Aβ clearance. A number of clinical trials are currently in progress based on these different therapeutic strategies and they should indicate which, if any, of these approaches will be efficacious. Current diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is made by clini..