Alzheimer’s disease research focuses on understanding the causes, mechanisms, and treatments for this neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, orientation, and cognitive function. Key pathological changes in the brain include the deposition of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein. Current Alzheimer’s research focuses on the following areas.

Genetics: Researchers are identifying genes that may increase the risk of developing the disease. The APOE gene, especially its variant APOE4, plays a particular role, associated with increased susceptibility to the disease. Molecular mechanisms: Understanding the processes leading to the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein and their impact on neuronal function is crucial to developing new therapies. Treatment: Current therapies focus mainly on relieving symptoms, but clinical trials of drugs to slow the progression of the disease are ongoing.

Monoclonal antibodies are being experimented with to remove amyloid deposits from the brain. One of the natural compounds being studied is curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has the potential to inhibit neurodegenerative processes by reducing inflammation and reducing the accumulation of amyloid beta. However, one of the challenges in its use is its low bioavailability, which leads to research into its forms, such as curcumin with increased bioavailability (e.g. in the form of nanoparticles).

Initial results are promising, although further large-scale clinical trials are needed. The field of Alzheimer’s research is rapidly developing, and the discovery of effective therapies remains one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine.