Nanotechnology approaches for enhanced CNS delivery in treating Alzheimer's disease

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology Vol. 51; pp. 297 - 309
• Main Authors: Arya, M.A., Manoj Kumar, Maneesha K., Sabitha, M., Menon, Krishnakumar N., Nair, Sreeja C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2019
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Central nervous system drug delivery; Fluid biomarkers; Nanotechnological approaches; Therapeutic strategy; Nanotechnological approaches; Alzheimer's disease; Central nervous system drug delivery; Therapeutic strategy; Fluid biomarkers
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.03.022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by the overproduction of amyloid beta proteins and its inability to clear from the brain resulting in its self-aggregation to form toxic oligomers, fibrils and plaques. Studies show that the incidence of AD would double in every 2 decade showing an increase from 66 million to 115 million by 2050. Currently therapies address systemic administration for treating Alzheimer's disease by appropriate manipulations in neutrophins, the neutrophic enhancing factors. In addition, therapeutic strategies using cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockage, or by drugs that remove amyloid plaques frombrain. Fluid biomarkers improve diagnostic accuracy in predementia phase as drugs would be effective only in initial stages. However, a major challenge in the CNS drug delivery being the blood brain barrier (BBB) and that nanotechnological approaches have been designed to facilitate drug delivery across this physiological barrier. This review addresses the current challenges and strategies as well as the significance of nanotechnology for a better understanding and delivery of drugs across the BBB to reach damaged areas of the CNS in patients. [Display omitted]