Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neurodegenerative cognitive disorder with an inflammatory component. More classically, AD is described by extracellular amyloid deposition and tau hyper-phosphorylation (forming intracellular neurofibrillary tangles). These processes also impact on a variety of neurotransmitter systems and increased lipid peroxidation is found in AD brains supporting a role for oxidative damage in this disorder. Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system (eCB) plays a role in immunity, neuroprotection (i.e. anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects) and cognition. Recent animal research suggests that manipulations to the eCB might have beneficial effects on the pathophysiology of AD and AD-related cognitive impairments. Thus, in collaboration with Prof. Garner from the University of Wollongong, we are testing the neuro-behavioural response of genetic mouse models for AD to cannabinoid challenge.
