Inflammation and Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Inflammatory mechanisms in the brain may contribute to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease. The cerebral acute-phase response mediated by inflammatory cytokines, the complement cascade, and the accumulation of activated microglial cells are appropriate targets for anti-inflammatory intervention. Pilot studies showed that tolerable doses of prednisone suppress the peripheral acute-phase response in Alzheimer's disease, and a multicenter therapeutic trial of prednisone is in progress. Two other anti-inflammatory drugs, hydroxychloroquine and colchicine, are also under investigation.