THE GLYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND ITS EFFECT ON NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

The glymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining brain health by clearing metabolic waste and neurotoxic proteins (Jessen et al., 2015). This project explores its function as the brain’s self-cleaning mechanism and investigates how its dysfunction may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The glymphatic system facilitates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through periarterial spaces, enabling the removal of harmful proteins such as amyloid-beta and tau. When this clearance pathway is impaired—due to aging, sleep disturbances, or reduced aquaporin-4 (AQP4) function—these proteins may accumulate and disrupt neural function (Iliff et al., 2012; Nepozítek et al., 2025). Such buildup has been closely linked to disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (Nepozítek et al., 2025). This study reviews recent experimental findings to understand how changes in glymphatic flow influence brain pathology. It also explores therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing glymphatic efficiency, including optimizing sleep, modulating AQP4 expression, and improving interstitial fluid (ISF) transport. By examining these factors, the project highlights how maintaining a healthy glymphatic system may delay or reduce the risk of neurodegeneration (Jessen et al., 2015). Rather than focusing solely on treatment after disease onset, this research emphasizes prevention by protecting the brain’s natural waste-clearing processes. The findings support the growing recognition of the glymphatic system as a promising target for early intervention and long-term brain health. Ultimately, improving our understanding of glymphatic function could open new pathways for preventing cognitive decline and preserving neurological function across the lifespan.