The transition from either epidemiological observation or the bench to rigorously tested clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer's disease is crucial in understanding which treatments are beneficial to patients. The amyloid hypothesis has undergone scrutiny recently, as many trials aimed at reducing amyloid and plaque have been completed or are in the testing phase. Examples include modulation of the secretases involved in beta amyloid formation, anti-aggregation agents, and immunotherapeutic trials. Other therapies targeting hyperphosphorylated tau and novel targets such as enhancement of mitochondrial function, serotonin receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products, and nerve growth factor, as well as other strategies, are discussed. A brief review of the current Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments is included.
(c) 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine.