Is targeting beta-amyloid pathology, with immunotherapy, an effective treatment option for Alzheimer's disease?

Abstract

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the commonest form of dementia, estimated to affect 37 million people worldwide. Currently there is nothing to halt the progression of AD – treatment focuses largely on slowing the development of symptoms. More recently disease-modifying interventions, such as immunotherapy, have been investigated as their aim is to halt or even reverse symptoms by removing β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology. This paper assesses the developments made in this particular field, offers critical appraisal of important papers and assesses the viability of this potential form of treatment.