Troubles neurologiques

GluN2B-NMDA Receptors in Alzheimers Disease: What Do they Got to Do with AD?

Abstract

Li L and Zhou Q

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most devastating and debilitating diseases affecting the aging population. Dementia is the most widely known deficit in AD patients, typically starts with loss of recent memory (minutes to hours), and progresses to loss of long-held memories and unable to recognize their loved ones. People with AD eventually lose their ability to take care of themselves. As a consequence the cost of care is huge, and it also takes a tremendous emotional toll on the family of AD patients. Two hallmarks of AD are senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which are composed of amyloid β (Αβ) and tau, respectively. Despite extensive search for effective treatment over the past decades, available drugs have limited efficacy without affecting the course of AD.