Davis K L
Geriatrics. 1999 Feb;54(2):42-7; quiz 48.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized in the brain by the deposition of amyloid protein outside the neuron, resulting in the formation of plaques, and inside the neuron with neurofibrillary tangles. It is not yet known what causes these pathologic changes, although age and genetics are major risk factors. The cholinesterase inhibitors tacrine and donepezil block acetylcholinesterase and therefore preserve the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Three other investigational cholinesterase inhibitors are rivastigmine, metrifonate, and galanthamine. Existing therapies being studied for use in AD include vitamin E, estrogen preparations, and anti-inflammatory agents. The physician's role is to care for both the AD patient and the family, which are profoundly affected by this disease.
阿尔茨海默病（AD）在大脑中的特征是淀粉样蛋白在神经元外沉积，导致斑块形成，以及在神经元内形成神经原纤维缠结。尽管年龄和遗传是主要风险因素，但目前尚不清楚是什么导致了这些病理变化。胆碱酯酶抑制剂他克林和多奈哌齐可阻断乙酰胆碱酯酶，从而保留神经递质乙酰胆碱。另外三种正在研究的胆碱酯酶抑制剂是卡巴拉汀、美曲膦酯和加兰他敏。正在研究用于AD的现有疗法包括维生素E、雌激素制剂和抗炎药。医生的职责是照顾AD患者及其家属，他们深受这种疾病的影响。
