Therapeutic Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease: Where Are We Now?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older adults, and although significant efforts have been made to find the mechanisms and biomarkers which would enable early detection and treatment, the disease remains a major scientific and clinical challenge. A number of therapeutic interventions have been developed to target the pathology believed to play a role in the course of the disease, with varying success, and this book, Therapeutic Trials in Alzheimer's Disease: Where Are We Now?, explores past and present clinical trials in AD based on pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. The book is divided into 6 parts. Part 1 focuses on pharmacological strategies aimed at the two proteins associated with AD, amyloid-β and tau; Part 2 discusses a broad range of therapeutic strategies, including metal-targeting agents and antioxidants. Part 3 deals with repurposed drugs, particularly antidiabetics and lipid-lowering therapies, and in Part 4, the challenges, advances, and therapeutic effects of stem cell and gene therapies for AD are detailed and discussed. Part 5 debates the therapeutic effects of non-pharmacological approaches, particularly ketogenic diets and supplements, as well as the benefits of physical exercise, yoga, and acupuncture. Finally, part 6 discusses the benefits of brain stimulation, and the usefulness of imaging techniques, and their ability to assess responses to treatment. Providing an overview of efforts to date in the attempt to address AD, the book will be of interest to all those involved in the research and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.