A Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer's Disease and Efficacy of Medicinal Plants’

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and the primary cause of dementia in the world, responsible for around 60-70% of cases of dementia. Symptoms include progressive cognitive deterioration, memory loss, behavioural changes and inability to independently perform activities of daily living. Pathological features of Alzheimer's disease involve extracellular deposition of the amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein, and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which forms neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in dysfunction and shrinkage of the brain.

The etiology of Alzheimer's disease is still not completely understood, but there are genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors involved. Mutations in APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes, and the APOE ε4 allele, which is a major risk factor for disease, are important genetic factors. The diagnosis is made on clinical evaluation, cognitive assessment, imaging studies and laboratory investigations, and confirmed by histopathological examination.

Treatment is mostly focussed on symptom management using drugs (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) and social support, nutrition and lifestyle changes. Preventative measures like physical exercise, brain training, healthy diets, quitting smoking, good sleep and stress management could be effective at lowering the risk of disease and slowing the progression of the disease.

With the rising incidence and significant social and economic impact of Alzheimer's disease worldwide, early detection, effective management, and preventive measures are crucial for maximizing patient benefits and quality of life.