ALZHEIMER’S – CURRENT STRATEGIES FOR ITS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevailing type of dementia worldwide with pathological hallmarks as neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid β plaque. A large number of research and studies are undergoing to determine the exact pathophysiology of the disease which may further lead to development of better treatment strategies. Based on the existing hypothesis a number of treatment and management therapies are utilised for prevention and control of disease. Conventional therapies based on AChE inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine and Galantamine) and NMDA receptor antagonist (Memantine) are most effective and frequently used but are only capable of controlling the disease progression and are not capable of treating the disease completely. New therapies include disease modifying therapies based on the concept of reducing the functioning of secretase enzymes which is primarily involved in conversion of APP into amyloid β plaque. Other promising therapies based on different hypothesis include the use of insulin, antioxidants, stem cell and also various herbal drugs which show remarkable decrease in progression of disease. This review also includes a number of compounds which are under different phases of investigation and clinical trials and may be used as an important tool for treatment of disease in near future. Key words: Alzheimer's disease, APP, APoE-e4, Biomarkers, Secretase Inhibitors.