Ferulic acid, a plant-derived polyphenol found in foods like rice bran, oats, and coffee, has drawn research interest for its potential neuroprotective effects, including in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Scientific investigations into ferulic acid and its derivatives have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloidogenic properties in preclinical models. Specifically, studies in cell cultures and animal models have shown that ferulic acid can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides (a hallmark of AD pathology), and ameliorate cognitive deficits induced by Aβ toxicity. For example, Kim et al., 2004 (Neuroscience Letters) found that ferulic acid treatment in mice attenuated memory impairment and reduced amyloid deposition. Other studies (Yan et al., 2001; Ono et al., 2005) have reported similar neuroprotective effects.

However, the evidence supporting its clinical use in humans remains limited. Most findings are restricted to laboratory and animal experiments, with very few small-scale or preliminary human trials. No large, high-quality clinical trials have established the efficacy or safety of ferulic acid derivatives in AD patients. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and promising preclinical evidence, the overall strength of evidence is currently weak (rated 2/5), and ferulic acid derivatives are not considered an established or standard treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.