In treating symptoms of Alzheimer disease, which strategy would be theoretically useful?

In the context of Alzheimer’s disease, a theoretical strategy that has been supported by research focuses on increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This neurotransmitter is crucial for memory and learning, functions that are impaired in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease due to neurodegeneration and the loss of cholinergic neurons.

Inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, which breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, effectively raises the concentration of acetylcholine available for receptor binding. This approach aims to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission and mitigate some cognitive deficits associated with the disease. Drugs that perform this function, known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, are clinically used to manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s and have shown to provide modest symptomatic benefits.

The other strategies presented would not be beneficial for treating Alzheimer’s disease, as decreasing acetylcholine levels or blocking its receptors would exacerbate the cognitive symptoms associated with this condition. Overall, the focus on preserving or increasing acetylcholine levels underscores the importance of this neurotransmitter in managing Alzheimer's disease symptoms.