Calcium hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by an increase in amyloid metabolism. The calcium hypothesis of AD explores how activation of the amyloidogenic pathway may function to remodel the neuronal Ca2+ signaling pathways responsible for cognition. Hydrolysis of the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) yields two products that can influence Ca2+ signaling. Firstly, the amyloids released to the outside form oligomers that enhance the entry of Ca2+ that is pumped into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). An increase in the luminal level of Ca2+ within the ER enhances the sensitivity of the ryanodine receptors (RYRs) to increase the amount of Ca2+ being released from the internal stores. Secondly, the APP intracellular domain may alter the expression of key signaling components such as the RYR. It is proposed that this remodeling of Ca2+ signaling will result in the learning and memory deficits that occur early during the onset of AD. In particular, the Ca2+ signaling remodeling may erase newly acquired memories by enhancing the mechanism of long-term depression that depends on activation of the Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin. The alteration in Ca2+ signaling will also contribute to the neurodegeneration that characterizes the later stages of dementia.