Understanding Pathogenesis, Bio Mechanisms and Therapeutic Target Perspectives of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

The most common cause of dementia in older people is Alzheimer's disease (AD), a degenerative, multifactorial neurological disorder. Amyloidal protein deposits outside the cells and neurofibrillary tangles within the cells are two pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Improvements in the understanding of pathogenesis over the last two decades have sparked the investigation into novel pharmacological therapy with a stronger emphasis on the pathophysiological processes of the disease. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine, galantamine, donepezil) and N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist (memantine), the two medications now in use, have little effect on the condition and only address its late-stage symptoms. These medications slow the disease's course and alleviate symptoms, but they don't completely cure the condition. While the neuropathological hallmarks of AD are understood, the underlying mechanisms remain a mystery. The lack of effective treatments that can stop the start and progression of the disease may be caused by our incomplete understanding of the pathogenic process. New therapeutic targets are now available as a result of the significant advancements made in pathophysiology over the past several years, which should allow for a direct attack on the underlying illness process. In this review, the authors explain the many pathophysiological pathways that underlie AD and how it is treated with conventional pharmacological therapy as well as more recent and continuing current exploratory therapeutic approaches.