INFLAMMATION AND ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE - MECHANISMS AND THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

Inflammatory mechanisms in the brain may contribute to the neurodegene rative process in Alzheimer's disease. The cerebral acute-phase respon se mediated by inflammatory cytokines, the complement cascade, and the accumulation of activated microglial cells are appropriate targets fo r anti-inflammatory intervention. Pilot studies showed that tolerable doses of prednisone suppress the peripheral acute-phase response in Al zheimer's disease, and a multicenter therapeutic trial of prednisone i s in progress. Two other anti-inflammatory drugs, hydroxychloroquine a nd colchicine, are also under investigation.