Indicators of neuroprotection with galantamine

The review presents the preclinical evidence in Alzheimer-related models of neuroprotection with galantamine, especially in models related to glutamate and β-amyloid toxicity in vitro and to cholinergic stress in vivo. There is substantial evidence that these effects occur by upregulation of the protective protein bcl-2 and are mediated via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The review also identifies possible clinical indicators, such as long-term studies, suggesting a neuroprotective effect for galantamine mediated by α7 nicotinic receptors. These clinically relevant neuroprotective properties of galantamine are worthwhile exploring further and their clinical relevance may improve the development of new disease-modifying agents.