Evidence supporting the use of: Nerve growth factor
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin critical for the survival, development, and function of certain neurons. Its potential role in dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has been studied due to its ability to support cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, which degenerate in AD. Preclinical studies in animal models demonstrate that NGF can prevent or slow this degeneration and improve cognitive performance. Some early-phase human trials have explored NGF delivery methods, such as intracerebral implants or gene therapy, with mixed results. While these approaches showed biological effects—like increased cholinergic markers and some cognitive stabilization—they were often limited by delivery challenges, side effects (e.g., pain, weight loss), and small sample sizes.

To date, there is no robust, consistent clinical evidence that NGF therapy provides substantial or lasting benefit in treating dementia. The primary obstacles remain effective, safe delivery to the brain and the management of adverse effects. Thus, while the use of NGF in dementia is grounded in scientific rationale and supported by animal and early human studies, conclusive clinical benefit has not been established. NGF is not an approved or mainstream treatment for dementia, and its use remains experimental.

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