Recent Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Part 3: Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

The field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research has grown exponentially over the past few decades, especially since the isolation and identification of amyloid-β from postmortem examination of the brains of AD patients. Recently, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD) put forth approximately 300 research reports which were deemed to be the most influential research reports in the field of AD since 2010. JAD readers were asked to vote on these most influential reports. In this 3-part review, we review the results of the 300 most influential AD research reports to provide JAD readers with a readily accessible, yet comprehensive review of the state of contemporary research. Notably, this multi-part review identifies the “hottest” fields of AD research providing guidance for both senior investigators as well as investigators new to the field on what is the most pressing fields within AD research. Part 1 of this review covers pathogenesis, both on a molecular and macro scale. Part 2 review genetics and epidemiology, and part 3 covers diagnosis and treatment. This part of the review, diagnosis and treatment, reviews the latest diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, imaging, and treatments in AD.

Hematologic safety of chronic brain‐penetrating erythropoietin dosing in APP/PS1 mice

“…Given the strong evidence supporting the role of Aβ accumulation in the AD brain [1], failure of anti‐Aβ agents does not necessarily disprove the amyloid hypothesis but perhaps suggests that Aβ load reduction alone may not be enough to reverse the neurite dystrophy and dementia of AD [4]. Because Aβ plaque deposition occurs decades before clinical AD [5], therapeutic agents that enhance the repair of dystrophic neurites after plaque reduction may aid in the reversal of dementia. Therefore, a therapy that combines Aβ load reduction with reversal of neuronal damage may yield cognitive improvement in AD.…”

Oral health care for patients with Alzheimer's disease: An update

“…Recent advances on the understanding of Alzheimer's disease genetics and molecular pathways have helped identifying novel cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers, as well as the development of promising new therapies that are currently being tested . Among the promising therapies, are those which target Aβ production, direct targeting of Aβ and tau, and immunotherapy . Traditional preventive therapies, which improve brain circulation are still used to target Alzheimer's disease …”

“…Among the promising therapies, are those which target Aβ production, direct targeting of Aβ and tau, and immunotherapy . Traditional preventive therapies, which improve brain circulation are still used to target Alzheimer's disease …”

“…4,6 However, it has also showed that this causality is not linear, being rather more complex and involving multiple causes. 4,75 Recent advances on the understanding of Alzheimer's disease genetics and molecular pathways have helped identifying novel cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers, 4,37,76 as well as the development of promising new therapies that are currently being tested. 31,66 Among the promising therapies, are those which target A production, direct targeting of A and tau, and immunotherapy.…”

“…31,66 Among the promising therapies, are those which target A production, direct targeting of A and tau, and immunotherapy. 37,76 Traditional preventive therapies, which improve brain circulation are still used to target Alzheimer's disease. 76 With regard to the clinical management of Alzheimer's disease, only minor progress has been reported to improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.…”