Journal of Oncology and Cancer Research
Unlocking Alzheimers: From Genes to Gut, A New Era of Hope
Abstract
Naeem Hamza, Mohammad Zayd Hussain, Mhd Bashir Almonajjed and Clara Aiteanu
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias (ADODs) represent a growing global health crisis, with a near-doubled mortality rate from 1990 to 2021, affecting 57.4 million people and projected to reach 152.8 million by 2050. Characterized by amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and synaptic dysfunction, AD drives cognitive decline and disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Advances in genetics, biomarkers, and imaging are revolutionizing early detection and personalized treatment. Genetic risk factors like APOE4 and emerging polygenic risk scores guide precision medicine, while biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and PET imaging enable preclinical diagnosis. Novel research on the gut-brain axis highlights microbial dysbiosis as a contributor to AD pathology, with probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation showing promise. Despite progress, challenges like costly diagnostics, stigma, and ethical concerns around early diagnosis persist. This review explores these advancements, emphasizing patient-centered care and the potential of multi-modal strategies to slow or prevent AD progression, offering hope for a future where Alzheimer’s is less devastating.