Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease
09:33

Quantitative 3D In Silico Modeling q3DISM of Cerebral Amyloid-beta Phagocytosis in Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: December 26, 2016

7.6K

Alzheimer's disease: new data highlight nonneuronal cell types and the necessity for presymptomatic prevention

Sam Gandy1

  • 1Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, and the Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York.

Biological Psychiatry
|December 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention trials are shifting focus to early intervention, altering biomarker evolution before symptoms appear. New strategies explore nonneuronal cells and systemic pathology for AD treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Compelling genetic evidence suggests cerebral amyloidosis can be a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Clinical trials targeting symptomatic AD with amyloid-reducing agents achieved target engagement but lacked clinical benefit.
  • A paradigm shift is occurring, with regulatory bodies considering prophylaxis to alter AD biomarker evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of Alzheimer's disease (AD) science.
  • To discuss the implications of a landmark shift towards preventative strategies for AD.
  • To highlight emerging research directions focusing on nonneuronal cells and systemic pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature and clinical trial data on Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • Analysis of genetic evidence linking cerebral amyloidosis to AD pathogenesis.
  • Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies beyond traditional amyloid-targeting agents.

Main Results:

  • Amyloid-reducing agents have shown efficacy in target engagement but not clinical benefit for symptomatic AD.
  • The U.S. FDA is proposing approval for prophylaxis aimed at altering AD biomarker trajectories.
  • Prevention trials are commencing in individuals at high genetic risk for AD.

Conclusions:

  • The field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is moving towards early intervention and prevention.
  • Future AD research is exploring novel targets including nonneuronal cells and systemic pathology.
  • Outcomes from ongoing prevention trials are anticipated to provide crucial insights into AD's trajectory.
Keywords:
Amyloid plaquesamyloidosismicroglianeurodegenerationsystems biologytauopathy

More Related Videos

Fabrication of Amyloid-β-Secreting Alginate Microbeads for Use in Modelling Alzheimer's Disease06:52

Fabrication of Amyloid-β-Secreting Alginate Microbeads for Use in Modelling Alzheimer's Disease

Published on: July 6, 2019

10.1K
Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke09:45

Motor and Hippocampal Dependent Spatial Learning and Reference Memory Assessment in a Transgenic Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Stroke

Published on: March 22, 2016

9.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
21
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...
1.7K
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...
35
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...
1.3K
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
35
Dementia01:30

Dementia

Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
687