Exploring the Role of microRNAs as Blood Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the most common forms of dementia globally. AD is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain, leading to progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, significantly impairing daily life. In contrast, FTD is marked by selective degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes, typically resulting in profound changes in personality and social behavior, speech disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. Numerous studies have found microRNAs (miRNAs)—small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally—to be dysregulated in AD and FTD. As a result, miRNAs have emerged as promising novel biomarkers for these diseases. This review examines the current understanding of miRNAs in AD and FTD, emphasizing their potential as accessible, noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosing these prevalent neurodegenerative disorders.