A Multifaceted Approach to Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are exploring many avenues to understand and treat this devastating illness.
Published April 23, 2013
As decades of research have shown, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not a straightforward process. While AD is a neurological disease, characterized by amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, researchers are increasingly taking interdisciplinary approaches to understand its etiology and possible treatments—targeting a wide variety of biological processes and treatment avenues. Additionally, the Academy's Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Initiative is bringing together leaders in the academic, industry, and non-profit sectors, seeking collaborative answers to the biggest challenges hindering research and development progress in AD.
Peruse the Academy publications and events below, which cover critical areas of exploration in AD research.
 | eBriefingTargeting Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's DiseaseAnalyzing dysfunction in the synapse, the regions where two nerve cells meet and communicate, may provide important new insights into the onset and progress of this common form of dementia. This eBriefing presents the work of scientists who are characterizing the changes at the synapse and the effects of diet and exercise on synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. |
 | eBriefingTargeting the Vasculature in Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Cognitive ImpairmentIn this eBriefing, scientists from academia and industry share their knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms, vascular outcomes in clinical trials, and drug discovery targets for Alzheimer's disease. |
 | eBriefingTargeting Metals in Alzheimer's and Other Neurodegenerative DiseasesResearchers investigating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases met at the Academy to discuss the effect of metals in neurodegenerative diseases—and to highlight clinical achievements using metal-binding compounds to influence disease progression. |
 | EventTranslating Natural Products into Drugs for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative DiseaseMonday, May 6, 2013 | 8:15 AM–4:00 PM |
 | EventAccelerating Translational Neurotechnology: Fourth Annual Aspen Brain ForumSeptember 18–20, 2013 |
 | EventAlzheimer's Disease Summit: The Path to 2025November 6–7, 2013 |
About the New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With 25,000 members in 140 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.