The emerging role of oligodendrocytes in Alzheimer's disease: Integrating bibliometric insights with molecular pathogenesis

Background Oligodendrocytes (OLs) have received relatively limited attention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research; however, recent studies highlight their significant role in AD pathology, particularly in neuroinflammation and myelin integrity. Objective To bibliometrically analyze oligodendrocyte research in AD. Methods Literature was retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus on July 8, 2025. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R-based bibliometrix were used for visualization and trend analysis. Results A total of 1780 publications from 1981 to 2025 were analyzed. Research output in this field grew significantly, particularly post-2010, following an exponential growth pattern consistent with Price's Law. The USA, China, and Japan were the top contributors, with the USA showing the highest number of publications. The University of California System, Harvard University, and Mayo Clinic emerged as central institutions, while influential authors included George Bartzokis, David A. Bennett, and Patrick L. McGeer. Leading journals, like Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience and Acta Neuropathologica have seen a steady increase in research contributions over the years. Keywords analysis showed that terms such as “microbiota”, “microglia”, “astrocyte”, “Alzheimer's disease”, “neurodegeneration”, “oligodendrocyte” are prominently displayed, Keywords evolution analysis showed that “exosomes”, “extracellular vesicles”, “white matter injury”, “oligodendrocyte precursor cell”, “neurodegeneration” “myelination” “machine learning” gradually attracted attention. Conclusions The study illustrates a paradigm shift in AD research, from classic pathological markers to a broader understanding that includes neuroglial interactions. This trend emphasizes the role of OLs in neuroinflammation and myelin integrity, presenting new avenues for therapeutic strategies.