A review on recent advances in Alzheimer's disease: The role of synaptic plasticity

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory and learning. Despite being the main cause of dementia worldwide, the precise mechanisms that underlie neuronal dysfunction and synaptic plasticity impairment in AD remain elusive. However, while genetic mutations, dietary factors, and immune dysregulation are implicated in AD pathogenesis, the current therapeutic approaches are largely centered around acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Nevertheless, this cholinergic hypothesis of AD is no longer satisfactory in describing this disease and has demonstrated a limited efficacy. Hence, new treatment approaches should be developed, and that requires us to view AD from a new perspective. Herein, in our review, we present the latest studies that discussed possible AD pathologies and pharmacotherapies. Additionally, we highlight that the emerging treatments that precisely targets brain regions associated with enhancing neuroplasticity have delivered promising results and seem to be more effective than older treatments. Finally, by viewing AD as a complex interplay of various factors that ultimately cause synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline, we can develop more effective therapeutic interventions and ultimately alleviate the significant burden of this debilitating disease for both patients and their families.