Work

Targeting Pain and Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease: Translational Insights and Emerging Treatments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is primarily recognized for progressive cognitive decline driven by beta-amyloid accumulation and tau pathology. However, many individuals with AD also experience chronic pain and depressive symptoms, which significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life and increase caregiver burden. These non-cognitive features are frequently underrecognized, despite evidence suggesting they share overlapping biological pathways with neurodegeneration. Emerging data highlight the role of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, and endocannabinoid system alterations in linking AD pathology to disturbances in pain processing and mood regulation. Persistent microglial activation, cytokine imbalance, redox disruption, and chronic stress signaling may simultaneously promote neuronal vulnerability while shaping affective and nociceptive responses. This review synthesizes current preclinical and clinical evidence on the interplay between pain, depression, and AD, emphasizing their shared pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical relevance. Recognizing these symptoms as integral components of disease progression, rather than isolated comorbidities, can inform the development of integrated, multidimensional therapeutic strategies in AD care.

Source: Pharmaceuticals

DOI: 10.3390/ph19040626

Authors: Ivona Costachescu, Gabriela-Dumitrita Stanciu, Raluca Maria Gogu, Bogdan-Ionel Tamba

Institution: Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Language: English

Topic: Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499