Alzheimer's disease: many failed trials, so where do we go from here?

J Investig Med. 2020 Aug;68(6):1135-1140. doi: 10.1136/jim-2020-001297. Epub 2020 Jul 21.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder associated with relentlessly progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. AD pathology proceeds for decades before cognitive deficits become clinically apparent, opening a window for preventative therapy. Imbalance of clearance and buildup of amyloid β and phosphorylated tau proteins in the central nervous system is believed to contribute to AD pathogenesis. However, multiple clinical trials of treatments aimed at averting accumulation of these proteins have yielded little success, and there is still no disease-modifying intervention. Here, we discuss current knowledge of AD pathology and treatment with an emphasis on emerging biomarkers and treatment strategies.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; MRI; biomedical research; cognition; plaque, amyloid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / metabolism
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor