ADVANCEMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, 2023

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid β deposition and intercellular neurofibrillary tangles. AD is a complex disease with a strong genetic component, and it is classified into three phases by the Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA): pre-pathology, plaque formation, and neural destruction. A number of therapeutic agents have been developed to reduce AD pathology and improve cognition. Objectives: The objective of this paper was to review recent advancements in AD treatment and cure. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using the keywords "therapeutic developments for AD" and "natural products as a drug for AD." Publications related to AD were retrieved, and the NCBI Clinical trial database was also searched to check drug status. Results: Monoclonal antibodies against amyloid β plaques, tau protein, and microtubule-associated protein have shown positive results in animal models, but they have failed in clinical trials. This is likely due to the fact that these antibodies are designed to target specific proteins that are not always present in the human brain. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this review, it is suggested that medicines based on natural extracts and combination therapy would be least toxic and more effective than single therapy. This is because combination therapy targets multiple pathways involved in AD pathogenesis. There is also a dire need to initiate AD research in Pakistan and facilitate the Pakistani community in early diagnosis and cure.