Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Assessment of Spontaneous Alternation, Novel Object Recognition and Limb Clasping in Transgenic Mouse Models of Amyloid-β and Tau Neuropathology
Published on: May 28, 2017
Current therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Neurology, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Avda. San Antoni M feminine Claret 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments focus on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine for symptomatic relief. Future neuroprotective drugs may slow AD progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, increasing with life expectancy.
- Current AD therapies are based on the cholinergic hypothesis, using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs).
- Memantine, an NMDA antagonist, offers an additional therapeutic option, safely combined with AChEIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments.
- To discuss the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and memantine.
- To explore emerging neuroprotective drugs for AD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical trials and therapeutic strategies for AD.
- Analysis of the cholinergic hypothesis and NMDA antagonism in AD treatment.
- Examination of ongoing research into novel neuroprotective agents for AD.
Main Results:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) provide modest symptomatic benefits for AD.
- Memantine, when combined with AChEIs, offers additional symptomatic improvement.
- Significant advancements in understanding AD pathogenesis are driving the development of new therapies.
Conclusions:
- Current AD pharmacotherapy focuses on symptomatic management.
- Emerging neuroprotective drugs show promise for slowing or preventing AD progression.
- Continued research into AD pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective disease-modifying treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology