Epigenetic processes in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, which are consequences of chronic progressive neurodegeneration and synaptic loss. Although histopathologic hallmarks of the disease have been well described, we still have only a limited understanding about the specific mechanistic changes that lead to disease onset, progression, and prevention; therefore, current therapies are mainly focused on treating the symptoms of the disease. Genomic studies have identified a number of genetic variants that can increase one's risk of developing AD, allowing a better understanding of the biological pathways involved in the disease. At the epigenomic level, robust changes have been described in both the brain and blood, with DNA methylation being the most studied epigenetic process to date. Given the recent technological and methodological advancements, a number of new epigenome-wide association studies are expected in the field, which will bolster our understanding of the role of epigenetic processes in AD and their potential as novel therapeutic targets.