Kamila Żabińska, Justyna Fołta, Dorota Małgorzata Wrześniok

Alzheimer’s disease – a contemporary view on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic options

DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/224741

2026-07-14

Research subject. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in older people, characterized by progressive damage and death of cholinergic neurons in the septum and cerebral cortex, leading to a gradual deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, spatial orientation, and the ability to perform everyday activities. The course of the disease involves three stages, differing in the severity of symptoms — from mild memory impairment, through confusion and behavioral changes, to profound cognitive deficits requiring constant care.

Research object. The aim of this study was to systematize current knowledge concerning i) the pathogenesis, ii) the course, and iii) the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Material and methods. The literature review was conducted using the PubMed and ResearchGate databases based on the following keywords: “Alzheimer’s disease”,” pathogenesis”, “diagnosis, causal therapies”, “symptomatic treatment”, “pharmacotherapy”. The review includes scientific articles in the field of pharmacy and medicine, mainly from 2015–2025, including several older works to supplement the topic.

Results. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, leading to progressive degeneration of cholinergic neurons and cognitive decline. Its pathogenesis involves β-amyloid deposition, tau protein aggregation, chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cerebral circulation disorders, synaptic deficits, and changes in neurotransmitter systems. The disease progresses in three stages, from mild memory impairment to extreme loss of contact with the environment, which significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Modern diagnostics include PET imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and blood tests, enabling the detection of changes before the onset of full clinical symptoms.

Conclusions. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is crucial for effective monitoring of its progression and implementation of appropriate treatment. Although current pharmacological therapies primarily elevate symptoms and slow disease progression, recent years have brought promising opportunities for causal treatment. Further research into the mechanisms of action of these therapies, as well as the identification of new biomarkers, may significantly improve the effectiveness of diagnostics, therapeutic strategies, and the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, causal therapies, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pharmacotherapy, symptomatic treatment.

© Farm Pol, 2026, 82(1): 3–13