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Acting Before; A Combined Strategy to Counteract the Onset and Progression of Dementia

Stefano Delli Pizzi1, Alberto Granzotto1, Manuela Bomba1

  • 1Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, CAST, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Pescara, Italy.

Current Alzheimer Research
|December 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This review highlights non-pharmacological and cognitive-enhancing drug strategies to improve synaptic plasticity and combat brain aging and dementia. These approaches offer a promising alternative to traditional therapies focused on beta-amyloid and tau.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders present a global health challenge.
  • Current dementia treatments primarily target beta-amyloid and tau, with limited success.
  • Restoring synaptic plasticity in the aging brain remains an under-explored therapeutic avenue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecular, structural, functional, and behavioral evidence for non-pharmacological interventions.
  • To discuss the role of cognitive-enhancing drugs in counteracting brain aging.
  • To explore strategies for promoting synaptic plasticity in early-stage dementia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent molecular, structural, functional, and behavioral studies.
  • Analysis of evidence supporting non-pharmacological approaches.
  • Evaluation of pharmacological interventions for cognitive enhancement.

Main Results:

  • Growing evidence supports non-pharmacological methods for brain health.
  • Cognitive-enhancing drugs show potential in mitigating age-related cognitive decline.
  • Synaptic plasticity is a viable target for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies can enhance synaptic plasticity.
  • These approaches offer a promising avenue for managing brain aging and dementia.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize these interventions for clinical application.
Keywords:
Agingcognitive stimulationcognitive-enhancing drugsdementiaexcitotoxicityexercisefMRIglutamatehyper-connectivityneuronal reservetauβ-amyloid

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