Neuroprotective Mechanisms as Treatment Strategy in Alzheimers disease

Agneta      Nordberg

Abstract

Alzheimers disease is the most common dementia disorder characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive function. The major neuropathological hallmark for the disease is the presence of beta amyoloid (Aβ) in the brain. The research to date indicates there are multiple factors that can trigger the development of Alzheimers disease. Therefore there are at present several tentative treatment strategies being tested experimentally and clinically. Symptomatic treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors is typically used currently for treatment of Alzheimers disease. New treatment strategies having neuroprotective effects aim to influence the course of the disease and preventing or reducing Aβ accumulation in the brain. This review covers recent findings regarding the experimental and clinical experience with Alzheimers treatments utilizing growth factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-oxidantia, estrogens, cholinergic agonists and anti-amyloid substances.

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