Current strategies of detecting Aβ species and inhibiting Aβ aggregation: Status and prospects

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioral disturbance and progressive cognitive impairment, and it is common in pre-senile and old-age people. The accumulation of soluble oligomers and amyloid plaques outside the nerve cells in the brain act the crucial part in the cause of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop diagnosis and treatment methods for amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation. Large-scale apparatus MRI/PET/MS and novel devices biosensors can accurately detect Aβ. Furthermore, precise diagnosis and early initiation of appropriate treatment in the early stages can minimize the impact of AD. Some therapeutic agents for AD include monoclonal antibodies, related peptides, and natural products. These therapeutic agents work by retarding and disassembling Aβ aggregation. In addition, the metal chelators can scavenge and chelate metal ions accumulating in lesions and affecting Aβ aggregation. Nanomaterials can also be used for precise diagnosis of different types of Aβ and multifunctional nanoplatform treatment. This review summarizes current advanced strategies for detecting and modulating Aβ for AD diagnosis and treatment.