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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
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Published on: September 8, 2021
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Dopamine System Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease.
Isabel Portela Moreira1,2, Maria Augusta Vieira-Coelho3,4, Joana Guimarães1,5
1Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Porto, Portugal.
Summary
Alzheimer's disease is linked to dopamine dysfunction, affecting cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. Targeting the dopaminergic system offers potential for new Alzheimer's treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The dopaminergic system plays a role in neurobehavioral and extrapyramidal symptoms common in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Dopamine dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of AD progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of the dopaminergic system, focusing on its alterations in Alzheimer's disease.
- To explore the link between dopamine dysfunction and AD pathophysiology, symptoms, and potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature, including animal models, post-mortem studies, and in vivo human studies.
- Analysis of the relationship between dopaminergic changes and AD hallmarks, symptoms, and progression.
Main Results:
- Evidence from multiple study types indicates dopaminergic system dysfunction in AD.
- Dopamine dysfunction in AD is primarily linked to neuronal loss, receptor changes, and altered metabolism, rather than amyloid plaques or neurofibrillary tangles.
- This dysfunction impacts both cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in AD patients.
Conclusions:
- Dopaminergic system dysfunction is a significant factor in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology.
- Understanding these dopaminergic changes can aid in AD diagnosis and management.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting the dopaminergic system show promise for treating AD symptoms.
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