ADVANCED GLYCATION ENDPRODUCTS IN AGING AND ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) in the brain is a feature or ageing and degeneration, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased AGE levels explain many of the neuropathological and biochemical features of AD such as extensive protein crosslinking (alp ha-amyloid and MAP-tau), oxidative stress and neuronal cell death. Oxi dative stress and AGEs initiate a positive feedback loop, where normal age-related changes develop into a pathophysiological cascade. Combin ed intervention using antioxidants, metal chelators, anti-inflammatory drugs and AGE-inhibitors map be a promising neuroprotective strategy.