Research Progress on the Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Strategies, and Phthalocyanine Compounds for Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a formidable and complex neurodegenerative disorder driven by multifactorial interactions, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation etc. Current therapies mainly consist of cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, which can alleviate symptoms but fail to reverse disease progression. In recent years, emerging approaches such as immunotherapy and gene therapy have shown potential but remain in clinical exploration. Phthalocyanine (Pc) compounds, with their ability to inhibit Aβ fibril formation, favorable biocompatibility, and optical properties, have demonstrated potential in AD diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the pathogenesis, therapeutic strategies, and research progress of Pc compounds in AD. Furthermore, the elucidation of their mechanisms of action, the optimization of blood-brain barrier penetration, and the promotion of clinical translation are needed to provide new directions for AD therapy.