Review Paper

Abstract: In this paper, we present the role of nanotechnology in the development and improvement of techniques for early diagnosis and effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since AD pathology is almost irreversible and present-day medications for AD only lower its associated symptoms, application of disease-modifying treatments could be successful only if AD early diagnosis is possible. The nanodiagnostic methods reported and compared in this paper include both of in vitro and in vivo nature. Of the in vitro approaches, the DNA-nanoparticle conjugates (bio-barcode assay), nanoparticle surface plasmon resonance, scanning tunneling microscopy, and two-photon Rayleigh spectroscopy are presented here. Of the in vivo methods, µMRI and optical imaging techniques are discussed here. The nanotreatment methods for AD are numerous. They are categorized in this report under neuroprotective methods from toxicity of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) oligomers, oxidative stress of free radicals and nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. The important agents for neuroprotection include nanogels, fullerene, nano-ceria, dendrimers, gold nanoparticles, and diamondoid derivatives. The major nanocarriers presented here include cholinesterase inhibitors nanocarriers, acetylcholine nanocarrier, metal chelato