Strategy for prevention and cure of Alzheimer disease

Katsuhiko Yanagisawa

National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, Research Institute

Although there is a big progress in clarifying the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) in the last two decades, bona fide drugs that suppress the emergence and progression of the disease are not available yet. Meanwhile, evidence is accumulating to suggest that preventative intervention, involving physical activity and diet, potently reduces the risk of AD development. In this article, recent progress in the basic research of AD is reviewed, and then, possible strategies for prevention and cure of AD, which bring significant benefit in reducing the economic and social costs, is discussed.

Address correspondence to Dr. Katsuhiko Yanagisawa, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, Research Institute (35 Gengo, Morioka, Obu, Aichi, Japan)