Dendrimers: Advancing Therapeutic Strategies for Dementia

Abstract: Dementia, characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, poses a significant challenge to global healthcare systems, with current therapeutic approaches offering limited efficacy. The development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems has introduced promising avenues for enhancing the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dendrimers, with their highly branched, nanoscale structure, provide an innovative platform for targeted drug delivery to the brain. Dendrimers serve as nanoscale drug carriers that facilitate controlled drug release, enhance bioavailability, and improve penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to superior therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, dendrimers can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, increasing their stability and minimizing systemic side effects. This review explores the unique properties of dendrimers, focusing on their potential as drug delivery vehicles in dementia treatment. We also highlight advancements in the design and application of dendrimer-based therapeutics, emphasizing their role in targeting key pathological mechanisms underlying dementia. Through these approaches, dendrimers represent a promising strategy for developing more effective and personalized treatment modalities for patients suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia.