The Roles of Glycolytic Reprogramming in Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Prevention and Treatment Targets

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most serious medical problems in modern society. The brain is the organ with the highest energy requirements and the most active processes of carbohydrate metabolism. The glial cells and neurons in the brain tissue have extensive connections through synapses. Under normal physiological conditions, astrocytes produce lactic acid through aerobic glycolysis to provide energy molecules to neurons. Lactic acid is also a signaling molecule to regulate the plasticity of synapses. However, under the condition of AD, the glycolytic process in microglia and neurons will be significantly up-regulated and produce a large amount of lactic acid, which will lead to a series of inflammatory reactions and induce AD. Therefore, the related enzymes and pathways in the glycolytic pathway are expected to be the targets for the prevention and treatment of AD.