EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES TO COGNITIVE DISTURBANCE IN ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

This paper reviews available and potential treatments for the cognitiv e disturbances associated with Alrheimer's disease. The neurochemical, neuropathological, and molecular-biological abnormalities associated with this disorder, as well as possible sites for pharmacological inte rvention, are discussed. These sites include genetic alterations in ap olipoprotein E, amyloid precursor protein, and presenilin. Additionall y, modification of amyloid processing, tau processing, and calcium reg ulation may have a role in future treatment. Intriguing epidemiologica l findings involving antiinflammatories, antioxidants, and estrogen fo r the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease suggest t he need for clinical trials of these agents. The current status of cho linesterase inhibitors, muscarinic receptor agonists, nicotine, and ad renergic and glutaminergic approaches to treatment are described.