Of mice and men: more neurobiology in dementia

Abstract

Purpose of review: An increasing number of genetically modified mouse models are designed and used in the field of Alzheimer disease research. This review aims to offer a general view of the existing transgenic mouse lines and to discuss their relevance and limitations.

Recent findings: Potential therapeutic targets have been identified in rodent models of Alzheimer disease. Although important steps towards obtaining a safe vaccine to prevent amyloid plaque formation have been made, further evaluations and the use of intermediate models are considered a necessity.

Summary: More than 18 million people worldwide are suffering from Alzheimer disease, the most common dementing disorder in humans. Transgenic lines have been created in order to understand the underlying mechanisms of Alzheimer disease and to find a cure. None of the available models completely recapitulates the characteristics of human pathology, but they provide valuable information on different pathogenic pathways involved. New therapeutic approaches and improvement of current strategies can be obtained from the use of Alzheimer animal models.