Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: a Key Player in the Transition Between Homeostasis and Pathogenesis.

Abstract in brief

• Microglia, the brain's immune cells, play a complex role in Alzheimer's disease, not just reacting to protein buildup but actively influencing whether the brain remains healthy or begins to degenerate.
• Emerging research suggests there may be two main stages of immune activation in Alzheimer's, with early or controlled activation potentially being beneficial, whereas chronic activation worsens neurodegeneration.
• Gaining a better understanding of how different microglial functions relate to brain health could lead to new treatments that better target disease progression, moving beyond current limited options.]