Immunization Against Alzheimers Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders [Paperback]

Promising effects in mice of immunization by ?-amyloid stimulated substantial research efforts and high hopes. In retrospect, this study appears simultaneously logical, consistent as it is with the amyloid theory central today in the field of Alzheimer's disease studies, and paradoxical, because it involved using the toxic substance itself for a treatment benefit. The research thus begun opens up multiple perspectives for experimentation and for treatment. Clinical trials began, but had to be stopped in January 2002 because of serious side effects. The editors' objective for this book is not to arouse false hopes for a therapeutic project that must still be proven, but to discuss the available information and the questions it raises.

Promising effects in mice of immunization by ?-amyloid stimulated substantial research efforts and high hopes. In retrospect, this study appears simultaneously logical, consistent as it is with the amyloid theory central today in the field of Alzheimer's disease studies, and paradoxical, because it involved using the toxic substance itself for a treatment benefit. The research thus begun opens up multiple perspectives for experimentation and for treatment. Clinical trials began, but had to be stopped in January 2002 because of serious side effects. The editors' objective for this book is not to arouse false hopes for a therapeutic project that must still be proven, but to discuss the available information and the questions it raises.

Preface.-Immunologic and Tolerogenic Aspects of Amyloid Beta-Peptide: Implications for the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Alzheimers Disease.-Towards Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimers Disease.-Characterization of Amyloid Beta Vaccination Strategies in Mice.-Cognitive Characteristics of TG(APP)CRND8 Mice Immunised With Beta Amyloid Peptide.-Intranasal A?Vaccination as an Approach to Treating ?-Amyloidosis.-Improvements in Intranasal Amyloid-? (A?) ImlcR