Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative age related disease in
which patients of age 65 or more suffer from memory impairment problems. This
disease is related to the nervous system degradation and various pathophysiological
conditions have been identified such as formation of β-amyloid and plaques, nerve
degeneration, neurotransmitter depletion, accumulation of toxins, oxidative stress and
inflammation. Local RAS system in the brain is different from vascular RAS and play
an important role in pathophysiology of AD. RAS system modulates inflammatory
processes, neurotransmitter activity and amyloid and plaque formation. Angiotensin II,
a vasoconstriction peptide of RAS system also induces neuronal cell loss by the process
of cell senescence. Genetic polymorphism is also an important factor for
pathophysiology and treatment of AD. No treatment is available which can eradicate
AD completely; only prophylactic treatments are available which gives only
prophylactic relief. Treatments are given which improve the pathophysiological
condition of the disease and restore the brain cells activity. Treatment approach
includes prevention of β amyloid and plaque formation, restoration of neurotransmitter
system, prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation. Other than allopathic
medicines, traditional system of medicines also have number of herbs and plants which
have the property of learning and memory improvement via different mechanism of
actions.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Angiotensin II, β amyloid, Dementia, Herbal
treatment, Neurons, Renin Angiotensin System, Treatments.
