Beyond the Amyloid Hypothesis of Dementia: Implications and Opportunities for the Field of Psychology

Abstract: The amyloid-cascade hypothesis (ACH) has dominated Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) research for more than thirty years. However, pharmaceutical interventions based on the ACH model have not produced consistently effective treatments during this time. Recent research suggests that a variety of lifestyle changes may reduce or prevent many forms of dementia from emerging or at least delay onset. Although psychologists have never been dominant in AD research or treatment, their unique training and depth of varied treatment expertise make them prime candidates to assume a leadership role.