The dendritic hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology

Converging evidence indicates that processes occurring in and around neuronal dendrites are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. These data support the concept of a dendritic hypothesis of AD, closely related to the existing synaptic hypothesis. Here we detail dendritic neuropathology in the disease and examine how A beta, tau, and AD genetic risk factors affect dendritic structure and function. Finally, we consider potential mechanisms by which these key drivers could affect dendritic integrity and disease progression. These dendritic mechanisms serve as a framework for therapeutic target identification and for efforts to develop disease-modifying therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of a special issue Dendrites and Disease. (C) 2013. Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.