One immune cell to bind them all: platelet contribution to neurodegenerative disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) significantly impact aging populations globally.
• AD pathology involves amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, vasculature issues, and chronic inflammation.
• Platelets are increasingly recognized for their roles in systemic and neuroinflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical roles of platelets in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD).
• To explore how platelet receptors, secreted molecules, and inflammatory interactions contribute to ADRD pathogenesis.
• To highlight the potential of targeting platelet function for ADRD management and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on platelets in AD and ADRD.
• Analysis of studies investigating platelet receptor expression and activation in AD patients.
• Examination of platelet granule contents and their relation to AD pathology.

Main Results:

• Altered platelet receptor expression correlates with accelerated cognitive decline in AD patients.
• Platelets from AD patients show heightened unstimulated activation.
• Platelet dysregulation, not quantity, is linked to increased risk of bleeding, stroke, and cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

• Platelet-mediated inflammation and healing disruptions are hypothesized to be crucial in ADRD development.
• Platelets' receptors, secreted molecules, and inflammatory interactions offer promising avenues for ADRD management.
• Understanding platelet roles provides new perspectives for therapeutic interventions in ADRD.