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Understanding the pathology of Alzheimer's disease by profiling vulnerable neurons. Stephen D. Ginsberg, Ph.D. Center for Dementia Research Nathan Kline Institute Departments of Psychiatry Neuroscience & Physiology NYU Neuroscience Institute New York University Langone Medical Center.
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Understanding the pathology of Alzheimer's disease by profiling vulnerable neurons Stephen D. Ginsberg, Ph.D. Center for Dementia Research Nathan Kline Institute Departments of Psychiatry Neuroscience & Physiology NYU Neuroscience Institute New York University Langone Medical Center
Symptoms of dementia • Memory loss • Inability to process directions • Difficulty having a conversation • Not knowing the time or date • Inability to handle a budget • Failure to recognize family members • Change in mood and/or personality
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) • Alois Alzheimer (1864-1915) • First patient Auguste D (1850-1906)
AD pathology seen by Alzheimer • Alzheimer used silver stained brain sections to visualize neuropathology
Progression of dementia • Aging- normal process of senescence • Preclinical stage • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) • Alzheimer’s disease • Down syndrome • Other neurodegenerative disorders
Downregulation of synaptic markers in CA1 hippocampal neurons
Dysregulated genes in CA1 neurons and regional hippocampal dissections in AD versus control subjects
Calorie restriction reduced amyloid burden in female APP overexpressing mice
Benefits of maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on in a model of Down syndrome (DS) and AD
State of AD therapeutics • ‘Wild west’ where evidence-based results are few and far between • Current FDA approved treatments the target cholinergic system principally • Antibody therapy to remove Abeta or tau • No agents impact the progression of dementia- just provide symptomatic relief • Alternative medicine & dietary approaches
Conclusions • AD is a major public health issue • Cost is prohibitive on many levels • Etiology remains unknown • Treatment options are limited • More funding and thoughtful research is required to make a societal impact Caregivers are key contributors to healthcare delivery and maintenance of dignity for patients and loved ones with dementia
Acknowledgements Nathan Kline Institute & NYU Langone Medical Center Melissa J. Alldred, Ph.D. Martin J. Blaser, M.D. Moses V. Chao, Ph.D. Megan Gautier, M.S. Paul M. Mathews, Ph.D. Sang Han Lee, Ph.D. Efrat Levy, Ph.D. Ralph A. Nixon, M.D., Ph.D. Sai Charan Penikalapati, M.S. Eva Petkova, Ph.D. Arthur Saltzman, M.S. Marisa J. Schafer, M.S. Barrow Neurological Institute Elliott J. Mufson, Ph.D. Cornell University Barbara J. Strupp, Ph.D. Michigan State University Medical Center Scott E. Counts, Ph.D. Supported by the NIA, NICHD, and the Alzheimer’s Association