NEUROBIOLOGICAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, profoundly affecting the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. Objective: This study aims to carry out a literature review to synthesize the neurobiological aspects of AD, exploring studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on identifying genetic, environmental and neurobiological factors associated with the progression of the disease. Methodology: Scientific articles were considered in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect, using descriptors such as "Alzheimer's disease", "neurobiology", "neurodegeneration", "amyloid beta" and "tau protein". The selection involved analysis of titles, abstracts and full reading of articles, excluding studies prior to 2013 and those not focused on the neurobiological aspects of AD. Results and Discussion: The review highlighted the influence of genetic factors on susceptibility to AD, with the APOE ε4 gene and other variants associated with the risk of the disease. Environmental aspects, such as formal education and cardiovascular health, were associated with a lower risk. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, accumulation of toxic proteins, and synaptic dysfunction have emerged as key components in disease progression. Final Considerations: Advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying AD provide therapeutic and diagnostic perspectives. However, challenges persist, requiring specific biomarkers and more effective therapeutic strategies. The study highlights the need for multidisciplinary research to develop more effective interventions, aiming to alleviate the impact of AD not only on patients, but on society as a whole.