Keywords
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasingly understood as a syndrome of clearance failure rather than solely one of protein overproduction. The "glymphatic-lymphatic continuum"—comprising a glial-mediated perivascular exchange network and a downstream meningeal lymphatic drainage system—serves as the brain’s primary macroscopic waste removal pathway. In 2026, research has solidified the role of this continuum in AD pathogenesis, identifying aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarization, sleep architecture, and cervical lymphatic health as critical pillars for neurological homeostasis. This review synthesizes current evidence on the physiological drivers of clearance, the impact of the APOE ε4 allele on lymphatic function, and emerging therapeutic interventions, including robotic-assisted and AI-guided diagnostics such as the DTI-ALPS index.
References
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