Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2018, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (12): 2098-2099.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.241456

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Consequences of redefining Alzheimer’s disease in terms of amyloid burden without regard to cognitive decline

Stephen R. Robinson1, Holly M. Brothers2, Maya L. Gosztyla3   

  1. 1 Discipline of Psychology, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia;
    2 Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA;
    3 Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
  • Received:2018-08-07 Online:2018-12-15 Published:2018-12-15
  • Contact: Stephen R. Robinson, PhD, stephen.robinson@rmit.edu.au.

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Abstract:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) redefined: For the past century, AD has been defined as a disease of progressive cognitive decline paired with a burden of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and pathologic tau tangles in the hippocampus and forebrain. However, a recent Framework paper jointly sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association proposes new classification guidelines for AD, which, if adopted, will have profound consequences for the future management of AD. The new guidelines redefine AD in terms of the brain’s burdens of Aβ and to a lesser extent tau, regardless of cognitive status. This biological approach is consistent with other diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes) that are defined and managed in terms of biomarkers, rather than on the basis of overt symptoms. This redefinition of AD is expected to greatly facilitate progress in clinical trials and therapeutics.