Biochemical dysfunction and memory loss: the case of Alzheimer's dementia

Among the different types of cognitive impairment that appear with increasi ng age, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rated as the most frequent. Despite int ensive research, key questions concerning AD aetiology remain elusive, but it appears that many biochemical events crucial for neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity fail during the course of the disease. The aim of t his review is therefore to provide an overview of intracellular cascades in volved in AD pathology. For almost all factors, it is a matter of controver sy whether their contribution should be considered to be cause or effect. H owever: intracellular signalling may be crucial-as it is in learning and me mory mechanisms-and malfunction of biochemical pathways may be a common den ominator in neurodegenerative processes, thus providing new venues for trea tment and therapeutic strategies.