ALZHEIMER DISEASE: Aβ-independent processes-rethinking preclinical AD

The amyloid cascade hypothesis, which posits that amyloid-beta accumulation is the key event in Alzheimer disease neurodegeneration, has dominated the field for 20 years. Recent findings, however, show that neuronal-injury biomarkers are independent of amyloid-beta, calling for reconsideration of the pathological cascade and assessment of alternative therapeutic strategies. Chetelat, G. Nat. Rev. Neural. 9, 123-124(2013); published online 12 February 2013; doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2013.21