Amphetamine and methamphetamine exposure as an under-recognized accelerator of Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major concern, impacting millions of people around the globe and creating significant clinical and economic challenges. While factors like age and genetics, particularly the APOE-ε4 gene, are key players in risk assessments, there are also modifiable factors—like vascular disease, diabetes, head injuries, and substance use—that greatly affect when and if someone develops clinical AD. Among the substances that could potentially lead to neurodegenerative issues, amphetamine-type stimulants—both prescription medications and illegal methamphetamine—deserve immediate attention. Their widespread use, whether for medical purposes or recreationally, along with their strong psychostimulant effects and increasing evidence of lasting brain damage, calls for a thorough investigation into how stimulant use might raise the risk of AD or speed up its neurological decline.