Targeting Molecular Mechanisms of Cognitive Dysfunction

Author(s): Rafael Roesler, Arethuza S. Dornelles and Fernando Benetti

Pp: 327-340 (14)

Abstract

Increasing knowledge of the neurobiological basis of synaptic plasticity and memory has opened new venues for the development of cognitive-enhancing drugs that could be used in the treatment of memory loss associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Neuromodulatory systems influencing memory formation include stress hormones as well as a range of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide signaling pathways. Here, we review some of the findings on memory enhancement by drugs acting on neuromodulatory systems and discuss the possible implications for the development of cognitive enhancers.

Keywords: Synaptic plasticity, Glutamate, Noradrenaline, Dopamine, Acetylcholine, Catecholamine, Protein kinase, Neuropeptide, Neurotrophin, Neurotransmitter, Neuronal receptor, Transcription factor, Epigenetics, Neuromodulation, Learning, Memory modulation, Memory consolidation, Cognitive dysfunction, Cognitive enhancement, Translational research.