Experimental models of Alzheimer's disease

Experimental models of Alzheimer's disease are scientific models used in the study of Alzheimer's disease. These models are essential tools for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Overview

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Experimental models of Alzheimer's disease are designed to mimic these pathological features and the associated cognitive deficits.

Types of Models

In Vitro Models

In vitro models of Alzheimer's disease involve the use of cultured cells to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease. These models often use cells that have been genetically modified to overexpress proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as beta-amyloid and tau.

Animal Models

Animal models are widely used in Alzheimer's disease research. These models typically involve the genetic modification of mice or rats to express human genes associated with Alzheimer's disease. The most commonly used animal models are transgenic mice that overexpress mutant forms of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) and/or presenilin genes.

Use in Research

Experimental models of Alzheimer's disease are used in a variety of research applications. They are used to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease, to identify potential therapeutic targets, and to test the efficacy of potential treatments.

Limitations

While experimental models of Alzheimer's disease have greatly advanced our understanding of the disease, they also have limitations. No model can perfectly replicate the complexity of the human disease, and findings from these models may not always translate to humans.

See Also

• Alzheimer's disease
• Beta-amyloid
• Neurofibrillary tangles
• In vitro
• Animal models