J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.
2002 Sep;41(5):767-777.
Prospect of Geriatric Psychiatric Research: Research on Alzheimer's Disease
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 2Department of Neuropsychiatry, Eumsung Hospital, Chung-buk Province, Korea.
Abstract
- Alzheimer's disease(AD) is a progressive dementia characterized by global cognitive decline and is defined pathologically by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In the past 10 years, important progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of AD, and new therapeutic targets have become available that should allow the underlying disease process to be tackled directly. In this respect, the 'amyloid hypothesis' has been become the dominant theory in the cause of AD. New strategies for conquering the AD include attempts to stop the production of beta-amyloid protein(Abeta), increasing Abeta clearance, or interfere with Abeta aggregation and precipitation into fibril or plaques. This review summarizes recent advances in research on AD and inspects the perspective of research in potential therapies of AD.
