Alzheimer transgenic models

Abstract

Purpose of review: A number of Alzheimer transgenic mouse models have been generated using a variety of different constructs containing the amyloid precursor protein. Some of the models develop features of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid pathology, cholinergic deficits and cognitive impairment. Recent publications have demonstrated the benefits of using transgenic animals as models of Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings: Genetic crosses with animals expressing other transgenes relevant to Alzheimer's disease have enhanced our understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In the past year the Alzheimer transgenic models have increasingly been used in the development of anti-Alzheimer drugs. Summary: Although the current transgenic animals are still not complete models of Alzheimer's disease, they are useful for studies on pathogenic mechanisms and the evaluation of new anti-amyloid treatment strategies.