Knowledge of Dementia Treatment : Prospects for Disease-modifying Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

  Currently, the focus of research and therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is shifting from the conventional neurotransmitter approach to the pathological and biochemical (pathogenic protein) approach aimed at disease-modifying therapy. Basic and clinical research is being performed to investigate the role of anti-amyloid strategies for AD based on the amyloid hypothesis. Owing to their toxic effects, insoluble amyloid β-protein (Aβ) fibrils, which accumulate as amyloid in the brain, were previously implicated in the pathogenesis of AD ; however, recent studies focus on the role of oligomers, which are more toxic aggregates of Aβ. Research is ongoing to develop anti-Aβ antibodies that target Aβ aggregates. Early- or preclinical stage administration of these agents is likely to be widely accepted in the near future for the management of patients with AD.