An update on treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

With the aging of the population, the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease will grow, increasing the burden on individuals and society. While ameliorating symptoms, the currently available treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration do not halt progression or cure the illness. This article discusses recent data on treatment strategies targeting amyloid and tau pathology. Novel therapeutic strategies such as inhibitors of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), potential mitochondrial modification with Dimebon, anti-inflammatory approaches, and cholesterol-lowering agents are also reviewed. An update on results from pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic prevention trials is provided.