The glymphatic system and its role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

One of the main concepts explaining the development of Alzheimer’s disease is currently the amyloid theory. It was reliably established that the accumulation of the pathological protein amyloid β provokes the launch of a number of pathochemical reactions that ultimately lead to the development of synaptic dysfunction and the formation of cognitive disorders. The protein amyloid β is also synthesized in the brain of people who do not suffer from neurodegenerative pathology. Normally, it is actively removed from the brain. However, the exact mechanisms for maintaining its clearance are not established. The recently discovered glymphatic system claims to be such a component. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis of suggestions that the development of glymphatic system dysfunction contributes to the accumulation of amyloid β and the development of the clinical picture of Alzheimer›s disease.