Molecular Neurobiology Of Alzheimer Disease And Related Disorders

Alzheimers disease affects 6-10% of the elderly population, causing impairment in cognitive functions and significant disability in daily living for more than ten years. Neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid deposits and neuronal loss are the three hallmarks of Alzheimers disease. Due to insolubility of these unique structures in Alzheimer brain tissue, they were very difficult to study by usual biochemical methods in the past. Active research is now going on to elucidate the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease. Major topics of neurobiological study of Alzheimers disease include the unraveling of the molecular mechanism of neurofibrillary tangle formation in neuronal and glial cells, the molecular processing of amyloid precursor protein in intracellular organella and in extra-cellular space, and the molecular mechanism of neuronal loss. The articles in this book were selected from contributions presented by leading scientists in this field at the international symposium which took place in Osaka in 2002. This publication is essential reading for all researchers, clinicians, basic and social scientists, neurologists and psychiatrists to promote the understanding of this formidable disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in the elderly; 450,000 people in the UK and 4.5 million people in the USA suffer with this disease. This 3rd edition of Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease gives a comprehensive and readable introduction to the disease, from molecular pathology to clinical practice. The book is intended for readers new to the field, and it also covers an extensive range of themes for those with in-depth knowledge of Alzheimer's disease. It will therefore act either as an introduction to the whole field of neurodegeneration or it will help experienced researchers to access the latest research in specialist topics. Each chapter is written by eminent scientists leading their fields in neuropathology, clinical practice and molecular neurobiology; appendices detail disease-associated proteins, their sequences, familial mutations and known structures. It will be essential reading for students interested in neurodegeneration and for researchers and clinicians, giving a coherent and cohesive approach to the whole area of research, and allowing access at different levels. For those in the pharmaceutical industry it describes the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and explains how current and potential therapeutics may work.

This revised edition of a book first published in 1995, presents an accessible overview of Alzheimer's disease, with an emphasis on research into the molecular mechanisms of neuronal degeneration. International experts have provided in-depth reviews of their areas of expertise, including coverage of the key molecules known to be involved, such as Ab, tau, apolipoprotein E and the presenilins. Other areas covered include neuropathology, genetics, neurochemical pathology, inflammation, diagnosis, models of the disease and opportunities for treatment, employing both existing and emerging drug therapies. The book will provide a readable introduction for those new to the subject, as well as covering a wide range of specialist topics for more experienced researchers and those interested in the overlap with other related specialist areas. Also included are appendices detailing gene and protein information on APP, tau, the presenilins, apolipoprotein E and the newly cloned therapeutic target, BACE.

This book examines every major aspect of Alzheimer disease at a time when there has been no scholarly research volume on the subject published in the last 3-5 years. This edition includes expanded coverage of the cellular-level exploration of related dementing disorders, with in-depth presentation of prion diseases, Pick's disease, fronto-temporal disorders, transgenic models, and biochemistry of presenilins.

Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized pathologically by two principal hallmark lesions: the senile plaque and the neurofibrillary tangle. Since the identification of each over 100 years ago, the major protein components have been elucidated. This has led in turn to the elaboration of metabolic cascades involving amyloid-β production in the case of the senile plaque, and phosphorylated-tau protein in the case of the neurofibrillary tangle. The pathogenesis and histogenesis of each have been the source of extensive investigation and some controversy in recent years, as both cascades have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease, relied upon in the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s Disease at autopsy, and targeted for therapeutic intervention. With the accumulation of data and expansion of knowledge of the molecular biology of Alzheimer’s Disease, it appears that the enthusiasm for successful intervention has been premature. In this book, we detail the discovery and characterization of the major pathological lesions, their associated molecular biology, their relationship to clinical disease, and potential fundamental errors in understanding that may be leading scientific investigators in unintended directions.

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a very large group of heterogeneous disorders affecting specific subtypes of neurons in the brain. This book contributes insight both to the awareness of the brain and its neurodegenerative states. The chapters present current knowledge regarding genetics, molecular mechanisms, and new therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative disorders. The book is intended to serve as a source to aid clinicians and researchers in the field, and also life science readers to increase their understanding and awareness of the clinical correlations, genetic aspects, neuropathological findings, and current therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases. I believe that this book will enlighten the curiosity for neurodegeneration and also encourage researchers to work on potentially effective molecular therapies for still mysterious neurodegenerative disorders.

The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Underlying Mechanisms presents the pathology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology of the major human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, ALS, Huntington’s, and prion diseases. Edited and authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field, the book's chapters explore their pathogenic commonalities and differences, also including discussions of animal models and prospects for therapeutics. Diseases are presented first, with common mechanisms later. Individual chapters discuss each major neurodegenerative disease, integrating this information to offer multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms that diseases may have in common. This book provides readers with a timely update on this rapidly advancing area of investigation, presenting an invaluable resource for researchers in the field. Covers the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases and their complex genetic, pathological, biochemical and cellular features Focuses on leading hypotheses regarding the biochemical and cellular dysfunctions that cause neurodegeneration Details features, advantages and limitations of animal models, as well as prospects for therapeutic development Authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field Includes illustrations that help clarify and consolidate complex concepts