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Publications

Journal Article Review Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Ppublish 67 citations

PubMed: 38424454 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00940-4

Is Alzheimer disease a disease?

Nat Rev Neurol 20(4):245-251

Authors: Amos D Korczyn, Lea T Grinberg

Affiliations

  • Departments of Neurology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • Departments of Neurology and Pathology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
  • Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
  • Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract

Dementia, a prevalent condition among older individuals, has profound societal implications. Extensive research has resulted in no cure for what is perceived as the most common dementing illness: Alzheimer disease (AD). AD is defined by specific brain abnormalities - amyloid-β plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles - that are proposed to actively influence the neurodegenerative process. However, conclusive evidence of amyloid-β toxicity is lacking, the mechanisms leading to the accumulation of plaques and tangles are unknown, and removing amyloid-β has not halted neurodegeneration. So, the question remains, are we making progress towards a solution? The complexity of AD is underscored by numerous genetic and environmental risk factors, and diverse clinical presentations, suggesting that AD is more akin to a syndrome than to a traditional disease, with its pathological manifestation representing a convergence of pathogenic pathways. Therefore, a solution requires a multifaceted approach over a single 'silver bullet'. Improved recognition and classification of conditions that converge in plaques and tangle accumulation and their treatment requires the use of multiple strategies simultaneously.

MeSH

Amyloid, Alzheimer Disease, Nervous System Diseases

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