A small molecule, specifically a coenzyme. -Central to metabolism, especially in: -The citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle) -Fatty acid synthesis -Ketogenesis It carries acetyl groups (2-carbon units) and delivers them to biochemical reactions.
↓ Acetylcholine (ACh) levels in AD patients
In AD, one of the hallmark neurochemical findings is a loss of cholinergic neurons, especially in the basal forebrain, leading to: ↓ ChAT activity ↓ Acetylcholine (ACh) levels ↓ Cognitive function (especially memory and attention) Many AD drugs aim to increase ACh levels by: -Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (which breaks down ACh), e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine.