Glutamatergic approaches to the treatment of cognitive and behavioural symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

The glutamatergic system has long been recognised for its role in learning and memory and recent studies indicate an early loss of glutamatergic synapses in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Efforts to produce drugs which address changes in the glutamatergic system in AD are well advanced (e.g. memantine and drugs in development such as ampakines). Much less is known about the possible role of glutamate in non-cognitive behavioural changes; however, recent data from clinical trials suggest that memantine reduces agitation and aggressive behaviour in AD patients. In this context, it is important to help identify new treatment approaches to replace the use of antipsychotics in this vulnerable population.