Synthesis of Amphiphillic Peptidomimetics for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer=92s disease, commonly known as dementia, is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. However, hitherto there hasn=92t been any form of prevention or cure. The main physiology of Alzheimer=92s disease in the brain is the formation of amyloid fibrils that are formed by the aggregation of beta amyloids. These aggregates block the nerve connections causing decline in memory. Our research focuses on synthesizing amphiphillic peptidomimetics that are better able to override the protease effects in the body and survive longer than natural peptides. The peptidomimetics are expected to inhibit amyloid beta aggregation and disrupt the aggregate structure. The peptidomimetics are able to inhibit amyloid beta aggregation in vitro and protect neurons from amyloid toxicity. These are promising results in the prevention/treatment of Alzheimer=92s disease.