Leandro B. Bergantin* Pages 179 - 187 ( 9 )
<P>Background: The hypothesis that a dyshomeostasis of Ca<sup>2+</sup> increases the incidence of dementia has been established. Several discoveries have emphasized the concept that a decrease in the excess of Ca<sup>2+</sup> could be an interesting pharmacological target to alleviate dementia symptoms. Aging along with a healthy brain can be supported by daily exercise, self-control in caloric ingestion, and participation in intellectually challenging events. These lifestyle factors may alleviate the excess of Ca<sup>2+</sup> resulting from a Ca<sup>2+</sup> dyshomeostasis. Curiously, epidemiological and clinical studies have also reported a clinical relationship between hypertension, diabetes, and other inflammatory processes, and a higher risk of cognition decline. Considering the cumulative data from the scientific literature, including data of high evidence such as meta-analysis and systematic reviews, we can now link a Ca<sup>2+</sup> dyshomeostasis as an upstream factor for hypertension, diabetes and other inflammatory processes, and dementia. Several reports have also indicated that increasing cAMP levels may induce neuroprotective outcomes, thus alleviating dementia symptoms. <P> Methods: With these concepts in mind, we found that the pharmacological manipulation of Ca<sup>2+</sup>/cAMP signalling could be a novel plausible target to treat dementia. This article puts together fundamental concepts and current therapies to treat dementia, including novel therapeutics coming from the pharmacological manipulation of Ca<sup>2+</sup>/cAMP signalling. <P> Results: Then, combined with improvements in the lifestyle issues, these novel therapeutics may allow sustained improvements in the life quality of age-related neurological patients. <P> Conclusions: In addition, considering coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving field, this article also reviewed recent reports about Ca2+ channel blockers' role in restoring Ca<sup>2+</sup> signalling disruption due to COVID-19. Finally, this article also presents a timeline of the major events in Ca<sup>2+</sup>/cAMP signaling.</P>
Alzheimer’s disease, neurodegenerative diseases, Ca<sup>2+</sup>/cAMP signaling, Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel blockers, rolipram, COVID- 19.