Attributions

Non-neuronal contribution to Alzheimer’s disease

Ksenia Kastanenka, PhD Massachusetts General Hospital

Summary

Alzheimer’s disease is the major cause of dementia, precipitated by loss of neuronal cells, and is currently without an effective cure. A number of clinical trial failures has been reported due to a lack of clear understanding of Alzheimer’s disease causes and its progression. This proposal will push the envelope of current AD understanding beyond that of neurons and will address whether non-neuronal cells cause and/or contribute to Alzheimer’s progression using state-of-the art methodology. The insight gained through this line of research will open venues for novel development of therapeutics.

Project Details

Alzheimer’s disease is the major cause of dementia, precipitated by loss of neuronal cells, and is currently without an effective cure. A number of clinical trial failures has been reported due to a lack of clear understanding of Alzheimer’s disease causes and its progression. This proposal will push the envelope of current Alzheimer's disease understanding beyond that of neurons and will address whether non-neuronal cells cause and contribute to Alzheimer’s progression using state-of-the art methodology. The insight gained through this line of research will open venues for novel development of therapeutics.