Modulating metals as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease

Lin W Hung1, Kevin J Barnham

  • 1The Mental Health Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Vic 3010, Australia.

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.

Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
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 Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory

Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
 Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction01:29

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...