Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and beneficial action of luteolin

Alzheimer's disease (AD), already the world's most common form of dementia, is projected to continue increasing in prevalence over the next several decades. The current lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of AD has hampered the development of effective treatments. Historically, AD research has been predicated on the amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH), which attributes disease progression to the build-up of amyloid protein. However, multiple clinical studies of drugs interfering with ACH have failed to show any benefit demonstrating that AD etiology is more complex than previously thought. Here we review the current literature on the emerging key role of neuroinflammation, especially activation of microglia, in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we provide compelling evidence that certain flavonoids, especially luteolin formulated in olive pomace oil together with hydroxytyrosol, offers a reasonable prophylactic treatment approach due to its many beneficial actions.

Automated summary

Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia globally, is expected to continue to rise in prevalence in the coming decades. Despite historical research on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, recent literature emphasizes the key role of neuroinflammation, particularly microglial activation, in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, flavonoids like luteolin in olive pomace oil combined with hydroxytyrosol show promise as a prophylactic treatment due to their beneficial effects.