Revisiting the role of acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer­s disease: Cross-talk with β-tau and p-amyloid

Abstract

A common feature in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain is the presence of acetyl¬cholinesterase (AChE) which is commonly associated with p-amyloid plaques and neu¬rofibrillary tangles (NFT). Although our understanding of the relationship between AChE and the pathological features of AD is incomplete, increasing evidence suggests that both p-amyloid protein (Ap) and abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau) can influence AChE expression. We also review recent findings which suggest the possible role of AChE in the development of a vicious cycle of Ap and P-tau dysregulation and discuss the limited and temporary effect of therapeutic intervention with AChE inhibitors.