Drug Discovery and Development Targeting Dementia

Abstract

Dementia, most often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, affects millions of people worldwide, predominantly the elderly. Unfortunately, no treatment is still available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address this situation. This review presents the state of the art of drug discovery and developments in targeting dementia. Several approaches are discussed, such as drug repurposing, the use of small molecules, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, the review also provides insights into clinical trials of these molecules. Emphasis has been placed on small molecules and multi-target-directed ligands, as well as disease-modifying therapies. Finally, attention is drawn to the possibilities of applications of nanotechnology in managing dementia.

Keywords: dementia; drug discovery and development; nanocarriers.

Figure 1

Graphical representation of types of dementia.

Figure 2

The similarities and differences between the types of dementia, based on their possible pathogenesis.

Figure 3

The structures of selective drug candidates for FTD treatment.

Figure 4

The structure of suvorexant—FDA-approved drug for treating insomnia in patients with mild-to-moderate AD dementia.

Figure 5

Classification of drugs considered for repurposing in AD treatment.

Figure 6

Repurposed PDE inhibitors.

Figure 7

Structures of small molecule drug targets for AD, LBD, FTD, and VD.

Figure 8

Structures of multi-target-directed ligand targets for AD.