Inhibitory interneurons in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is currently the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by distinct cognitive and sensory deficits. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, however, still remain elusive. How the molecular and morphological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease affect information processing in neuronal circuits and translate into cognitive dysfunction is unclear. Inhibitory interneurons have recently emerged as one of the earliest and important culprits in mediating dysfunction of neuronal circuits in neurodegeneration. Amyloid-beta and tau protein have been both linked to interneuron dysfunction, and likely play an important, albeit unknown, role in mediating changes in the overall activity of neuronal circuits. Resolving the role of inhibitory interneurons in neurodegeneration-specific changes in neuronal activity is crucial for understanding the impact of Alzheimer's disease on brain function and even for possible identification of effective treatments and diagnostic techniques (Ref. 63).