Restoring amyloid-β42 and γ-secretase function in Alzheimer’s disease

Emerging evidence is challenging the long-standing notion that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by increased γ-secretase function and overproduction of 42-amino acid amyloid-beta (Aβ42). CSF levels of soluble monomeric Aβ42 in AD are reduced to about half of those in healthy individuals and drop even further at dementia onset in genetic forms (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2 mutations) and in Down syndrome. Findings supporting a revised AD pathophysiology include: (i) ∼90% of pathogenic PSEN1 mutations reduce γ-secretase activity and Aβ42 production; (ii) lower γ-secretase activity is correlated with lower soluble Aβ42 levels, earlier onset of dementia, worse cognition, and faster progression; (iii) higher soluble Aβ42 levels associate with preserved cognition and delayed dementia in amyloid-positive sporadic and familial AD; (iv) apparent cognitive benefits from anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies involve increased soluble Aβ42 levels; and (v) monomeric Aβ42 supports memory and other functions akin to a neuropeptide. These findings suggest that restoring, not reducing, γ-secretase activity and monomeric Aβ42 levels above a compensation threshold could offer disease-modifying therapeutic benefits. Drugs that increase soluble Aβ42, some already approved for other indications and linked to reduced dementia risk, may be repurposed to test whether they can slow disease progression in familial and sporadic AD.