Multi-target Directed Compounds with Antioxidant and/or Antiinflammatory Properties as Potent Agents for Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by memory deficits and cognitive impairment. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists and nootropic agents are used clinically, but they have only symptomatic efficacy, attributed to the multifactorial character of AD. The multi-target directed compound approach is gaining attention and has been under investigation lately. Objective: This review selects several research articles, which describe the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of multi-targeting molecules combining antioxidant or/and anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds with these properties are expected to be beneficial in the treatment of AD. Methods: This review summarizes the pathobiochemistry of AD, as well as the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the progression of neurodegeneration. It presents novel compounds with antioxidant or/and anti-inflammatory activity, that have been tested for their efficacy in neurodegenerative disorders. Results: Various researchers have taken advantage of the multi-targeting drug approach, in order to design molecules which may be developed to useful agents for the treatment of neurodegeneration.