Publication
Title
Could ecosystem management provide a new framework for Alzheimer's disease?
Author
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that involves a plethora of molecular pathways. In the context of therapeutic treatment and biomarker profiling, the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide constitutes an interesting research avenue that involves interactions within a complex mixture of Aβ alloforms and other disease-modifying factors. Here, we explore the potential of an ecosystem paradigm as a novel way to consider AD and Aβ dynamics in particular. We discuss the example that the complexity of the Aβ network not only exhibits interesting parallels with the functioning of complex systems such as ecosystems but that this analogy can also provide novel insights into the neurobiological phenomena in AD and serve as a communication tool. We propose that combining network medicine with general ecosystem management principles could be a new and holistic approach to understand AD pathology and design novel therapies.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Alzheimer's & dementia / Alzheimer’s Association [Chicago, Ill.] - Orlando, Fla, 2005, currens
Publication
Orlando, Fla : Elsevier , 2016
ISSN
1552-5260 [print]
1552-5279 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.JALZ.2015.07.491
Volume/pages
12 :1 (2016) , p. 65-74
ISI
000368968200009
Pubmed ID
26341147
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
An integrated approach towards understanding the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration (NEUROBRAINNET).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.09.2015
Last edited 09.10.2023
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