Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and
one of the main aging-dependent maladies of the 21st century. Around 46 million
people suffer from AD worldwide and this is projected to double within the next 20
years. Due to the progressive aging of the population and the prediction of an increase
in the incidence of this disease, AD constitutes a serious familial and social health
problem. Therefore, it is necessary to find new therapeutic strategies which are aimed
to prevent, delay the onset, slow the progression and/or improve the symptoms of AD.
Currently, the research is focused on finding and identifying new drugs for achieving
these goals.
In this chapter of the book, we widely review the neuroprotective role that some
antibiotics could play in AD, because these drugs reach the brain quickly and are
relatively inexpensive. Likewise, we have found evidence in both in vitro and in vivo
studies and also in some clinical trials. In summary, all the reviewed antibiotics exert
neuroprotection because they act on the main pathophysiological features of AD.
Nevertheless, it must be taken into account that a long-term treatment with antibiotics
could cause adverse effects including antibiotic resistance. Thus, properly clinical trials
should be carried out in order to corroborate benefits of these antibiotics in people with
AD