Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to be an unprecedented global challenge as populations age, severely impacting cognitive function and quality of life. While the recent approvals of monoclonal antibodies like lecanemab and donanemab have provided hope by slowing cognitive decline, they have yet to achieve the goal of reversing the disease or fully restoring neurological function.
In a comprehensive review published in Science China Life Sciences by Professor Yan-Jiang Wang and his collaborators examines why single-factor interventions have proven insufficient. The authors argue that the complexity of AD—driven by a multifaceted interplay of amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, Tau tangles, genetic predispositions, biological aging, and systemic health—requires a more integrated therapeutic approach.
The Multifaceted Architecture of AD
The review dissects critical areas of AD research:
Future Directions
The authors call for a transition from "reductionist" approaches to "integrated strategies". This includes developing multi-target therapies, utilizing advanced human iPSC-derived organoids for drug validation, and implementing precision medicine based on early biomarkers like plasma pTau217.
"Success in defeating Alzheimer’s hinges on interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic innovation," the authors conclude. This review serves as a roadmap for shifting AD from an incurable burden to a manageable or even preventable condition.
Science China Life Sciences
Literature review