Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: potential beneficial effects of vitamin D

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. In recent years, several studies have robustly shown that neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of this disease. The co-localization of amyloid-beta plaques near activated glial cells and the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in AD patients indicate the involvement of the neuroinflammatory process in AD progression. Considering that pharmacological treatment remains a challenge for the management of this disease, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are promising therapeutic strategies. In this context, vitamin D has gained attention in the last few years due to its neuroprotective property and the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the population. Herein, in this narrative review we present the possible contribution of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D for its neuroprotective effects, and the clinical and preclinical data dealing with the effects of vitamin D in AD, focusing mainly on the neuroinflammatory process.

Automated summary

Alzheimer's disease is primarily caused by neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the co-localization of amyloid-beta plaques with activated glial cells and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Current pharmacological treatments are challenging, hence compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being explored as potential therapies. Vitamin D, due to its neuroprotective effects and high prevalence of deficiency, has emerged as a promising candidate. This review highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D, and its potential effects on the neuroinflammatory process in Alzheimer's disease.