Targeting Alzheimer's disease: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is on the rise in developed nations as a consequence of longer human lifespan. Current costs to society are alarming, and are projected to become even more demanding on future health budgets. Considering the relative success of Parkinson's disease pharmacotherapy, the success of AD therapy has been disappointing. Quite a few novel and promising AD drug targets are presented in this special issue of Drug Development Research. These are built on countless research studies, by many bright minds, carried out over the last several decades. However, the answer to the growing AD threat must include reliable and accurate tools, presently lacking, for its early diagnosis in at-risk individuals.