Preface

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related multifactorial neurodegenerative disease which is described as the failure of cognitive performance and behavioral capabilities. The clinical features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are worsening cognition with progressive discrepancy in recovery of memory. The book series, “Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – Alzheimer Disorders”, is intended to present the most important advancements in the field in the form of cutting edge reviews written by experts in this field of research. Volume 4 of this eBook series is a compilation of five well written chapters contributed by prominent researchers which include topics such as, the role of melatoninergic pathways, investigational drugs and nutritional approaches in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Anderson and Maes in Chapter 1 review the role of melatoninergic pathways in Alzheimer's disease. They also discuss the influence of primary and secondary sites of infection in the etiology and course of AD. In chapter 2, they describe the role of melatonin in more detail with respect to the changes and interventions relevant to AD.

Many researchers are aiming at understanding, preventing and curing AD. Several strategies are being studied for developing therapies against this disorder. Esiri and Wilcock, in Chapter 3 discuss the various approaches for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. This review also describes the primary and secondary prevention of AD and the links with cardiovascular disease, diet and other lifestyle-related risks.

Neuritic plaques containing β-amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles containing tau are the two key targets of drugs under investigation that could prevent or slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Pamela E. Potter, in Chapter 4, comprehensively explains the mechanism of action and results of clinical trials for the drugs that have been recently used or that are in development for the treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease.

The role of adequate nutrition in the management of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is extensively reviewed in Chapter 5 by Chen et al. This review also discusses the role of several natural products including micronutrients in the nutritional prevention of AD.

The 4^th volume of the book series presents important recent researches that have been reviewed comprehensively by eminent researchers. I wish to express my gratitude to the contributors as well as the editorial staff, particularly Mr. Mahmood Alam (Director Publication), Mr. Shehzad Naqvi (Senior Manager Publications) and Ms. Fariya Zulfiqar (Assistant Manager Publications) for their hard work and persistent efforts.