Publication:

An overview of intranasal drug delivery systems for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition with severe consequences interfering with patient quality of life. It is a chronic and irreversible cognitive brain condition in which memory and thinking capacities are severely impaired to the point of preventing the completion of daily activities, because of physical and cognitive limitations. The standard treatment is administered orally; however, it has significant disadvantages, including poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, restricted uptake into the brain and severe side effects. The intranasal route has been proposed as a promising alternative to deliver drugs and improve the Alzheimer's disease treatment. Still, there is not a clear alternative delivery system available in the market with advantageous bioavailability and safety. The aim of this review is to perform an overview on the strategies for intranasal drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease management. The advantages and disadvantages of this delivery route and the delivery systems developed so far are discussed. A special focus is given on the use of permeation enhancers, the types of intranasal drug delivery devices, as well as possible toxicity concerns.