Mechanisms of memory loss in Aβ and tau mouse models

Although memory loss is the central symptom of Alzheimer's disease, the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to dementia are poorly understood. it is difficult to answer this issue with studies in humans and impossible in cultured cells. Therefore animal models are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to dementia. The chief neuropathological changes during Alzheimer's disease, namely neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, have helped us to determine which molecules to focus upon in the animal models, specifically A beta (amyloid beta) and tau. This paper presents my perspective on what we have learnt about mechanisms of memory loss from A beta and tau mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.