Glutamatergic treatment strategies for age-related memory disorders.
Age-related changes of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors have been found in cortical areas and in the hippocampus of many species. On the basis of a variety of experimental observations it has been suggested that the decrease of NMDA receptor density might be one of the causative factors of the cognitive decline with aging. Based on these findings several strategies have been developed to improve cognition by compensating the NMDA receptor deficits in aging. The most promising approaches are the indirect activation of glutamatergic neurotransmission by agonists of the glycine site or the restoration of the age-related deficit of receptor density by several nootropics.
Müller
W E
WE
Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.
Scheuer
K
K
Stoll
S
S
D000081:Acetamides / Q000494:pharmacology; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D003523:Cycloserine / Q000494:pharmacology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000494:pharmacology; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000081:Acetamides; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; C039332:milacemide; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D003523:Cycloserine