Current Alzheimer Research - Volume 2, Issue 4, 2005

Neuronal loss is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it not clear what type of mechanisms underlie this neuronal loss and if neuronal loss is directly responsible for the progressive dementia of AD. This review summarizes the recent evidence for neuronal loss in AD relative to the level of cognitive impairment. It further describes the current evidence for an apoptotic mechanism in AD. Lastly, a summary of the evid Read More

The complex nature and genesis of oxidative damage in Alzheimer disease can be partly answered by mitochondrial and redox-active metal abnormalities. By releasing high levels of hydrogen peroxide, dysfunctional mitochondria propagate a series of interactions between redox-active metals and oxidative response elements. In the initial phase of disease development, amyloid-β deposition and hyperphosphorylated t m Read More

In order to have more specific tools available to approach amyloidogenesis in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we have produced several polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific sequences of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Here we present results that demonstrate that our monoclonal antibody EM5 recognizes an internal sequence (residues 11-16) of the Aβ peptide. This strategic localization of the epitope a Read More

The role of polysaccharides in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) is unclear. However, in light of studies indicating impaired glucose utilization in AD and increased activation of the hexosamine pathway that is seen with hyperglycemia, in the brains of patients with AD, aberrantly high levels of glucosamine may result in synthesis of glucosamine polymers such as chitin, a highly insoluble polymer of N-acetyl glucosa Read More

Semantic memory deficits are a common landmark in Alzheimer's disease, but the nature of these impairments remains to be clarified. The tests used to explore this memory system are not specific and involve cognitive processes often disturbed in Alzheimer's disease. A complementary way to investigate semantic memory in neuropsychology is by using the semantic priming paradigm. Here, semantic priming refers specifica Read More

In this paper, we present an illustrative case of Semantic Dementia (SD) and we review the literature on this relatively rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder. After reviewing the clinical, neuroimaging, neuropathological, and genetic features of SD, we propose a theoretical framework that addresses features of SD and relates them to features of other well known neuropsychiatric syndromes. Our 'on-line / of Read More

From a clinical as well as a neuropathological point of view Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been the focus of intense research for more than three decades. Most studies to identify morphometric correlates with the declining cognitive function in normal aging and AD have employed semi-quantitative methods to assess neuropathological markers such as neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, neuronal, or glial cell densities, Read More

Objective: To evaluate the safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the acetyl-selective anticholinesterase, phenserine tartrate, in healthy elderly subjects. Methods: 32 healthy elderly volunteers received single oral doses of phenserine tartrate (5-20 mg). Physical and vital signs were monitored over the ensuing 24 hours. Analyses were performed on plasma samples to Read More