Chimie médicale

Alzheimer’s Disease and Animal Models in Retrospect

Abstract

James Oluwagbamigbe Fajemiroye

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. AD could rob patients of their ability to recall, reason and carry out executive functions. Pathophysiological studies of AD have revealed the gradual loss of neurons, function and ultimate death of neurons (apoptosis). Mutations, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, infectious diseases are among the principal causes of neuronal degeneration. Despite the prescription of a wide range of drugs to treat AD, the emergence of effective treatments to halt the progress or reverse this disease has remained elusive for years. Series of preclinical studies have been developed to ensure better understanding of the neurobiology of AD and engender the discovery of new drugs. This review provides an overview on the pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy and preclinical models of AD in an attempt to bring together current research efforts, challenges, achievements and prospect for the discovery of drugs to treat AD. Pathophysiological evidences of this neurodegenerative disease has shown the involvement of multiple neural mechanisms. So far, the research approaches and treatment of this disease still remain largely unsatisfactory. However, there are possibilities of surmounting current challenges with new technology, diagnostic criteria and translational approach that effectively reflect clinical etiology of AD in experimental animals.