Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
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
8.0K
Friends and Foes in Alzheimer's Disease
Ernest K J Pauwels1, Gerard J Boer2
1Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Summary
Alzheimer's disease involves brain inflammation and pathogens, with new treatments targeting early detection and root causes like tau tangles. Early intervention in the preclinical phase offers the best chance for effective Alzheimer's disease therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with no effective cures, characterized by neuronal damage and apoptosis.
- Cerebral inflammation, driven by activated astrocytes and microglia, contributes to AD pathogenesis, leading to beta-amyloid and tau protein deposits.
- Pathogens such as bacteria (Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Borrelia burgdorferi) and viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus) are implicated in triggering neuroinflammation in AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of neuroinflammation and pathogens in Alzheimer's disease etiology.
- To review current therapeutic strategies, including antibody-based approaches targeting beta-amyloid.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, focusing on inflammatory processes and microbial involvement.
- Analysis of current and emerging therapeutic strategies, including antibody treatments and early detection biomarkers.
- Discussion of the AD continuum and the potential of targeting preclinical stages.
Main Results:
- Current antibody treatments (aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab) have shown limited success in AD patients.
- Early detection biomarkers, such as plasma neurofilament light chain, are crucial for intervention during the preclinical phase.
- Hydromethylthionine mesylate shows potential in preventing tau tangle formation, representing a root-cause treatment approach.
Conclusions:
- Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is complex, involving neuroinflammation, specific molecular entities (TREM2, SYK, C22, C33), and infectious agents.
- Targeting the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease, characterized by a long asymptomatic period, is critical for effective treatment.
- Emerging therapies focusing on early detection and addressing the root causes, like tau pathology, offer new hope for managing Alzheimer's disease.
More Related Videos
06:27Analysis of β-Amyloid-induced Abnormalities on Fibrin Clot Structure by Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: November 30, 2018
9.3K
08:27Establishment 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
12.0K
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
513
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...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
513
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
212
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...
212
01:30Dementia
131
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....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
131
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
611
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...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
611
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
147
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.
147
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
590
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is...
590