Final answer:
The target enzyme for drugs treating Alzheimer's disease is acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Inhibiting this enzyme can increase acetylcholine levels and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several drugs used to treat Alzheimer's disease, such as galantamine and rivastigmine, target a neuronal enzyme called acetylcholinesterase.
Acetylcholinesterase is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. By inhibiting this enzyme, these drugs increase acetylcholine levels in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Research into the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, but currently, these drugs are the main pharmacological interventions available.