Alzheimer’s disease: A thermodynamic perspective

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is investigated using a thermodynamic approach based on ion fluxes across the neuronal membrane. Our study indicates that the onset of Alzheimer’s may be aided by a hyperpolarization of this membrane, because hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated HCN channels 1–4 conduct inward, with the consequence of depolarising Na+/K+ currents which in turn impacts synaptic transmission and reduces plasticity.