Work

Alzheimer's disease: synaptic dysfunction and Aβ

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Synapse loss is an early and invariant feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and there is a strong correlation between the extent of synapse loss and the severity of dementia. Accordingly, it has been proposed that synapse loss underlies the memory impairment evident in the early phase of AD and that since plasticity is important for neuronal viability, persistent disruption of plasticity may account for the frank cell loss typical of later phases of the disease. Extensive multi-disciplinary research has implicated the amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) in the aetiology of AD and here we review the evidence that non-fibrillar soluble forms of Abeta are mediators of synaptic compromise. We also discuss the possible mechanisms of Abeta synaptotoxicity and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Source: Molecular Neurodegeneration

DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-4-48

Authors: Ganesh M Shankar, Dominic M Walsh

Institutions: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, University College Dublin

Language: English

Topic: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090