ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
The challenge for the near future will be the development of new therapies and therapeutic targets for disease modification and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most important cause of dementia in older adults. It has also become a major health problem because of the burgeoning numbers of aged individuals, the long duration of AD, and its high cost of care. Although advances over the past decade have greatly increased our understanding of the molecular pathology of AD, its diagnosis remains largely clinical, as no test or marker has yet emerged with the sensitivity and specificity to be used reliably. Currently, cholinesterase inhibitors, which confer modest cognitive, global, and functional benefits, remain the mainstay of AD treatment, but do not appear to alter the progression of disease. The challenge for the near future will be the development of new therapies and therapeutic targets for disease modification and prevention.