Modulating metals as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease
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Updated: May 21, 2026

Establishment of a Valuable Mimic of Alzheimer's Disease in Rat Animal Model by Intracerebroventricular Injection of Composited Amyloid Beta Protein
Published on: July 29, 2018
1The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Vic 3010, Australia.
Abstract:
In 1906, Alois Alzheimer first characterized the disease that bears his name. Despite intensive research, which has led to a better understanding of the pathology, there is no effective treatment for this disease. Of the drugs approved by the US FDA, none are disease modifying, only symptomatic. Unfortunately, there have been a number of failed clinical trials in the past 10 years where studies show either no cognitive improvement or, worse, serious side effects associated with treatment. Hence, there is a need for the field to look at alternative approaches to therapy. In this review, we will discuss how metal dyshomeostasis occurs in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Concomitantly, we will discuss how targeting this dyshomeostasis offers an effective and novel therapeutic approach. Thus far, compounds that mediate these effects have shown great potential in both preclinical animal studies as well as in early-stage clinical trials.
Insights
Alzheimer's disease lacks effective treatments. This review explores how targeting metal dyshomeostasis offers a novel therapeutic approach, showing promise in early trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains without disease-modifying treatments, with current FDA-approved drugs offering only symptomatic relief.
- Numerous clinical trials have failed to demonstrate efficacy or have shown significant adverse effects, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Metal dyshomeostasis is increasingly recognized as a key factor in aging and AD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of metal dyshomeostasis in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
- To discuss the potential of targeting metal dyshomeostasis as a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
- To summarize the preclinical and early clinical evidence for metal-targeting compounds in AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on metal dyshomeostasis in aging and AD.
- Analysis of existing therapeutic approaches and their limitations.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data for metal-modulating agents.
Main Results:
- Metal dyshomeostasis is implicated in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- Targeting metal dyshomeostasis presents a promising avenue for developing effective AD therapies.
- Compounds designed to modulate metal ions have demonstrated significant potential in early investigations.
Conclusions:
- Metal dyshomeostasis is a critical factor in Alzheimer's disease pathology.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting metal dyshomeostasis offer a novel and potentially effective approach to treating AD.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.
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