Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Critical Appraisal of the Causes and the Consequences

Recent advances have shown oxidative damage as one of the hallmark characteristics in neurons in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Importantly, such damage is present at the very earliest stages of disease, including mild cognitive impairment, and persists throughout the course of the disease. Therefore, oxidative imbalance is likely important not only as an initiator of disease but may also contribute in propagating the disease process. One aspect of critical importance is developing treatments that target the source rather than the “collateral damage,” but of course this requires knowledge of the source. This review highlights the role of oxidative stress in AD with the aim of critically evaluating the role of oxidative stress as a cause or effect in the development of this disease. In doing so, we consider the sources of reactive oxidative species and their role in AD as well as how oxidative responses intertwine with the pathological hallmarks of the disease.