Pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease: 2002

The intensity of interest in therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has accelerated with each passing year. The nature of the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors has been refined with the publication of several studies that have examined long-term therapy as well as different aspects of the symptomatology of AD. Breakthroughs in the basic science of AD has led to new insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeted at the secretases involved in the metabolism of the Alzheimer precursor protein. An immunization approach in which the amyloid-β protein itself was used as the immunizing agent was discontinued after unexpected toxicity occurred. Other areas of investigation with disappointing results such as estrogen replacement therapy and antiinflammatory approaches are discussed. Several other potential therapeutic agents are also reviewed.