This hypothesis links AD to neuronal damage caused by overactivation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by glutamate. It is suggested that low activation of NMDA receptor is essential for learning and memory
In AD brains, Aβ generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which react with other molecules to form free radicals causing molecular and cellular damage Oxidative damage is thought to be early in AD progression because of its link with plaques and NFT.Oxidative stress by Aβ has been shown to be mediated by metal ions