THE BIOCHEMICAL LINK BETWEEN CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND NEURODEGENERATION: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventual loss of independence. While the pathological hallmarks of AD - amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles - are well-documented, emerging evidence highlights the role of chronic systemic inflammation and the gut-brain axis in its onset and progression. This paper investigates how biochemical processes such as microglial activation, cytokine dysregulation, and gut dysbiosis contribute to AD pathology. Drawing on data from peer-reviewed secondary sources, including clinical trials and recent literature, this paper explores the interplay between systemic inflammation, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neurodegeneration. The findings suggest a multifactorial etiology involving immunological, neurological, and microbial components. Understanding these links can open new avenues for early diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.