Potential use of neurotrophic agents in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

The use of neurotrophic agents as therapy for neurodegenerative disorders was originally proposed several years ago. Since then, several lines of evidence have converged to support the consideration of neurotrophic factor therapy for clinical disorders. In particular, the cholinergic neuronal atrophy that occurs in Alzheimer’s disease has been identified as a strong potential candidate for the first clinical trials of nerve growth factor (NGF) in a human neurodegenerative disorder. In the current communication, we review issues related to potential trials of NGF in Alzheimer’s disease.