Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2026, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (1): 107-125.doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-24-01019

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Neuronal plasticity and its role in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease

Israt Jahan1 , Mohammad Harun-Ur-Rashid2, *, Md. Aminul Islam1 , Farhana Sharmin3 , Soad K. Al Jaouni4 , Abdullah M. Kaki5 , Samy Selim6, *   

  1. 1 Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Laboratory (GEBRL), Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh;  2 Department of Chemistry, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Sector 10, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka, Bangladesh;  3 Department of Anatomy, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh;  4 Department of Hematology/Oncology, Yousef Abdulatif Jameel Scientific Chair of Prophetic Medicine Application, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia;  5 Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Director of Pain Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia;  6 Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
  • Online:2026-01-15 Published:2025-04-19
  • Contact: Samy Selim, PhD, sabdulsalam@ju.edu.sa; Mohammad Harun-Ur-Rashid, PhD, mrashid@iubat.edu.
  • Supported by:
    This work was financially supported by King Abdulaziz University, Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR).

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Abstract: Neuronal plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt structurally and functionally, is essential for learning, memory, and recovery from injuries. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, this plasticity is disrupted, leading to cognitive and motor deficits. This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function, while Parkinson’s disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control. Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms, neurogenesis, and therapeutic strategies, linking molecular insights to clinical applications. Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms, such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression, shows promise. Neurotrophic factors, advanced imaging techniques, and molecular tools (e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics) are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity. Current therapies, including dopamine replacement, deep brain stimulation, and lifestyle interventions, demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes. In conclusion, enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, long-term depression, long-term potentiation, neuroinflammation, neuronal plasticity, Parkinson’s disease, synaptic plasticity