Extracellular Vesicles In Alzheimer’s Disease: Dual Roles In Pathogenesis, Promising Avenues For Diagnosis And Therapy

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have dual roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and therapy. They contribute to AD progression by spreading amyloid-beta and tau proteins, increasing neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Conversely, EVs from neurons, glial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells can clear these pathogenic proteins, deliver neuroprotective cargo, and modulate brain metabolism. EVs also hold promise as diagnostic tools, with technologies like microfluidic chips enabling minimally invasive blood-based diagnostics and focused ultrasound enhancing therapeutic delivery by improving blood-brain barrier permeability. These advancements highlight EVs' potential in both diagnosing and treating AD.