中国神经再生研究(英文版) ›› 2018, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (2): 190-193.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.226381

• 综述:退行性病与再生 • 上一篇    下一篇

阿尔茨海默病研究的新方向

  

  • 收稿日期:2018-01-12 出版日期:2018-02-15 发布日期:2018-02-15

A new direction for Alzheimer’s research

James D. Weinstein   

  1. Marshall University School of Medicine, Medical Center, Huntington, WV, USA
  • Received:2018-01-12 Online:2018-02-15 Published:2018-02-15
  • Contact: James D. Weinstein, M.D.,jweinstein3438@gmail.com.

摘要:

orcid:0000-0001-6696-3246(James D. Weinstein)

Abstract:

Despite decades of research, at present there is no curative therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Changes in the way new drugs are tested appear to be necessary. Three changes are presented here and will be discussed. The first change is that AD must be considered a disease of four major pathological processes, not one. The four processes are: 1) vascular hypoperfusion of the brain with associated mitochondrial dysfunction, 2) destructive protein inclusions, 3) uncontrolled oxidative stress, and 4) proinflammatory immune processes secondary to microglial and astrocytic dysfunction in the brain. The second change recommended is to alter the standard cognitive measurement tools used to quantify mental decline in test patients. Specifically the Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) should supersede Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and other popular tests, and a measurement scale developed in research should be used to produce a linear and non-irregular baseline. Finally, accepting the concept that four etiologies cause AD leads to the last necessary change, that new therapies must be employed directed against all four causes, likely as a combination. There are drugs ready to be employed in such combinations which are available and used clinically for other purposes so can be used “off label” and one such combination is suggested.

Key words: Alzheimer’s disease etiologies, combination therapy, cognitive testing, failed research, off-label use, Dementia Severity Rating Scale