Cholinergic and glutamatergic drugs in Alzheimer's disease therapy.
The pathology and clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are well known and include plaques, tangles, cell loss and dysfunction. The target of current treatments is to improve neuronal dysfunction and produce symptomatic benefits based on a clear understanding of neurotransmitter biochemistry. The purpose of this review is to examine the scientific background to currently available treatments, discuss the clinical experience of employing these drugs in Alzheimer's disease patients and review the socioeconomic influences on their use in the future.
Clarke
Nicholas A
NA
West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust, King's Hill, Kent, UK. englishmemory@hotmail.com Kings
Francis
Paul T
PT
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018683:Excitatory Amino Acid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005104:Expert Testimony; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic
D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D018683:Excitatory Amino Acid Agents