Advances in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol.17, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Review
- Volume: 17
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1819165
- Journal Name: Frontiers in Pharmacology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest)
- Keywords: alzheimer's disease, clinical trials, disease-modifying therapies, pathophysiology, preclinical trials, risk factors, treatment
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Despite extensive efforts targeting amyloid-β and tau, these approaches have not translated into clear clinical benefit, underscoring the need for a more integrated understanding of AD pathogenesis. This narrative review summarizes recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying AD and evaluates current and emerging therapeutic strategies. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies addressing AD pathophysiology and treatment development. Conclusion: We summarize key pathogenic pathways, including Aβ aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation, and discuss how these interconnected processes have informed drug development efforts. Particular attention is given to limitations of single-target approaches and the growing interest in multi-target and combination therapies. In conclusion, a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying AD may contribute to the development of more effective pharmacological therapies and integrated therapeutic approaches targeting the multifactorial nature of the disease.