Could the cognitive benefits of amyloid-beta clearance grow in time for Alzheimer’s disease?
摘要
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized histologically by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the brain. Immunotherapies targeting Aβ clearance have become a leading treatment strategy. Although these therapies effectively reduce cerebral Aβ burden, their cognitive benefits remain modest during the trial period. This review systematically assesses the extent of Aβ clearance by immunotherapies and its related cognitive outcomes, focusing on whether cognitive benefits increase over time. We refine a model of the “lag effect” between plaque clearance and cognitive benefit, which is potentially influenced by clearance rate, treatment duration, disease stage, genetic factors, and aging. We also discuss the underlying biological mechanisms and potential neuroprotective targets. Future research should prioritize long-term studies, early intervention, personalized therapies, and combination approaches addressing multiple pathological pathways. Given limited short-term cognitive gains, optimizing outcomes will require tailoring treatments to individual patient factors—including genetics, disease progression, and aging—to minimize side effects and enhance long-term cognitive function.