Fluorescence Detection and Dissociation of Amyloid-β Species for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent forms of neurodegenerative disease. It is well established that the beta-amyloid peptide (A beta) species existing in several forms, such as soluble monomers, oligomers, and insoluble aggregates, play an essential role in the pathophysiology of AD. Therefore, much effort has been made to specifically detect A beta species and to inhibit A beta aggregation for the treatment of AD. In this review, an overview of recent advances in detecting different A beta forms mainly containing A beta aggregates, A beta oligomers, and A beta protofibrils is provided. In addition, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are considered to be promising modalities for the treatment of AD because of the minimal invasiveness and high spatial selectivity. Herein, the strategies of inhibiting A beta aggregation and dissociating A beta aggregates using PDT, PTT, and A beta inhibitors for the treatment of AD are summarized.