Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It arises from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify these harmful compounds. In Alzheimer's, oxidative stress contributes to neuronal damage through lipid peroxidation, DNA oxidation, and protein oxidation, exacerbating amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation. This cellular damage impairs synaptic function and accelerates neurodegeneration. Moreover, oxidative stress disrupts mitochondrial function, further elevating ROS levels and perpetuating a vicious cycle of neuronal injury. Therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, such as antioxidants, aim to mitigate these effects and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.