Phytochemicals in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread age-related neurodegenerative disease. Recently, a growing body of evidence suggested the phytochemical use to slow down AD onset and progression. Objective: To review the phytochemical role potentially involved in AD treatment. Method: A systematic review from existing literature on phytochemicals used in the treatment of AD patients was conducted. Selection criteria included: 1) age≥60 years; 2) AD diagnosis in agreement with the criteria of National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIAAA), and 3) suitable measures to asses cognitive, functional and clinical status. Results: Ninety-seven articles were involved in the present study. Several phytochemicals seem to slow down AD onset, delay disease progression and let recovery through targeting multiple pathological causes by anti-cholinergic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. Conclusion: Deeper knowledge on phytochemicals and their specific molecular targets is essential to guarantee safe use of these compounds as an option for AD treatment.