Auvelity as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Main Article Content

Charles M. Lepkowsky, Ph.D.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia affecting older adults. Alzheimer’s disease also shares a significant association with Major Depressive Disorder. Glutamatergic excitotoxicity via NMDA receptors is believed to be a key mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease. Blockade of NMDA receptors by NMDA antagonists like Memantine appears to inhibit glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Memantine also increases dopaminergic activation through agonism of sigma-1 receptors. The combination of these two mechanisms is believed to underlie Memantine’s improvements in memory, cognition and general functioning in AD patients. Auvelity was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adults. Auvelity’s relevant mechanism of action is a combination of its blockade of NMDA receptors with consequent antagonism of the glutamatergic neurotransmitter pathway, and its agonism of the sigma-1 receptor. Because Auvelity and AD medications like Memantine employ the same mechanism of action, it is hypothesized that Auvelity might be a potential medical treatment for reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords: Auvelity, Alzheimer’s Disease, aging, NMDA antagonist, glutamatergic excitotoxicity

Article Details

How to Cite
LEPKOWSKY, Charles M.. Auvelity as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 10, n. 10, oct. 2022. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/3206>. Date accessed: 23 nov. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i10.3206.
Section
Research Articles

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