Chemical, Environmental, and Molecular Perspectives; Diagnostic Biomarkers; and Iraqi Studies Insight into Alzheimer's Disease: A Review Article

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder, a condition that significantly impacts both physical and mental health and ultimately leads to death.

Alzheimer's disease is the seventh major cause of death, disability, and dependence. Several Determinants for dementia include depression, social isolation, inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and age. Additionally, smoking, depression, and social isolation are notable risk factors.

The article provides a recent survey of prevalent data for staging and diagnosis of AD, regarding the role of epigenetic, chemical, and environmental factors, Classification of different indicators for early identification and prognosis in AD, and Diagnostic approach of AD, and studies the relationships among Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Additionally, Research highlights the profound impact of previous studies conducted in Iraq.

Oxidative stress and metal ions are examples of chemical and environmental factors. Modifiable environmental variables, such as nutrition, exercise, and cognitive engagement, significantly influence AD. Advances in biomarker analysis (e.g., β-amyloid Aβ, Tau, apolipoprotein E4 APOE ε4) and neuroimaging techniques, including MRI and PET scans, have revolutionized diagnostic approaches, enabling earlier detection and intervention. The vital interaction between hereditary and environmental factors alters the epigenetic landscape in AD, affecting gene expression patterns linked to major clinical processes underlying disease etiology.

The study concludes that Diabetes, hypertension, elderly individuals, low income or socioeconomic status, limited education, hearing or vision impairments, and functional limitations are associated with increased risk of falls. In addition to epigenetic factors, chemical and environmental factors also serve as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).