Chapter 1

Amyloid Hypothesis in Alzheimer´s Disease

Maria Sagrario Manzano Palomo

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition which is highly prevalent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, the overall projected prevalence in worldwide will reach 132 million patients by 2050. Amyloid hypothesis described in 90´s by Hardy et al, is the main therapeutic target. Since acetylcholinesterase inhibitors as symptomatic treatment, drug development for AD has been disappointing. All drugs in completed phase 2 and phase 3 trials have failed.

So, the question is, what´s wrong about this hypothesis and the immunotherapy approach? These compounds aimed at reducing Aβ formation and plaques do not restore cognition although removes amyloid plaques in PET amyloid scans.

This paper tries to discuss all the aspects and describe the current situation and the future goals.

Total Pages: 1-15 (15)

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