Astrocytes and Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: Friends, Foes, or Both?

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, with glial cells playing a crucial role in its progression.

• Glial cells, once thought to be passive, are actively involved in neuroinflammation and disease progression in Alzheimer's disease.
• Microglia and astrocytes display significant changes in response to Alzheimer's pathology, including moving to pro-inflammatory states.
• These cells may struggle to clear harmful proteins and engage in harmful interactions that worsen inflammation and neuronal damage.
• The review discusses how glial cells contribute to amyloid-beta and tau pathology, synapse loss, and neurotransmission deficits.
• Therapeutic approaches targeting glial function include anti-inflammatory drugs, senolytics, and lifestyle interventions, which could alter disease progression.

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