Platelets and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Hematology

Background:

• Platelets are crucial for hemostasis and thrombosis.
• Emerging evidence highlights platelets' role in immune and inflammatory responses.
• Platelets contribute to amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of platelet involvement in AD pathogenesis.
• To explore the potential role of platelets in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• To introduce platelet activation as a potential therapeutic target for AD and MCI.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on platelets, Aβ, AD, and MCI.
• Analysis of existing research on platelet function in neuroinflammation.
• Synthesis of evidence linking platelet activation to neurodegenerative processes.

Main Results:

• Platelets play a significant role in the development of vascular amyloid-beta deposits in AD.
• The potential involvement of platelets in MCI is under-explored.
• Antiplatelet therapy shows promise for AD treatment/prevention, but requires more conclusive evidence.

Conclusions:

• Platelet activation is a potential therapeutic target for both Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and validate therapeutic strategies.
• Understanding platelet roles in neurodegeneration could lead to novel treatment approaches.