The neurobiology and pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, hers become a major public health concern as our population ages. In recent years, AD has attracted the attention of a wide range of biological disciplines, and sub stantial progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of neurodeg eneration in AD. Four different genes have now been associated with AD and are providing insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. The roles of b eta-amyloid, tau, hormonal changes, inflammation, and oxidative stress in t he neurodegeneration of AD are also being delineated. Based on these discov eries, rational therapeutic strategies are developing rapidly. The authors review these and other recent advances in the neurobiology and pharmacother apy of AD.