Pharmacological Approaches for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, behavioral disturbances, and loss of functional independence. As the global population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease continues to rise, creating significant medical, social, and economic challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. The complex pathophysiology of AD involves the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss. Despite extensive research efforts, there is currently no definitive cure for the disease, making effective pharmacological management essential for slowing disease progression and improving patients' quality of life. Pharmacological approaches for Alzheimer's disease primarily focus on symptom management and modification of underlying disease mechanisms. Conventional therapies include cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, which enhance cholinergic neurotransmission and improve cognitive function in mild to moderate stages of the disease. Memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is commonly used in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease to reduce excitotoxic neuronal damage. Recent advances in disease-modifying therapies have introduced monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid-beta pathology, offering new opportunities for slowing disease progression in selected patients.