Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent forms of
neurodegenerative diseases. Although some controversy exists, β-amyloid
peptide (Aβ) is recognized to play an essential role in the
pathophysiology of AD. The Aβ species are known to exist in various
forms, including soluble monomers, oligomers, and insoluble aggregates.
Despite extensive efforts to regulate Aβ aggregation, no successful
medications have been developed to date. Among the various strategies
for AD treatment, phototherapy, including photodynamic therapy (PDT),
photothermal therapy (PTT), photopharmacology, and photobiomodulation
(PBM) have attracted increased attention because of the spatiotemporal
controllability. Representative examples of PDT, PTT, photopharmacology
and PBM are discussed in terms of inhibitory mechanism, the unique
properties of materials, and the design of phototherapy modulators. The
major challenges of phototherapy against AD are addressed and the
promising prospects are proposed. It is concluded that the noninvasive
light-assisted approaches will become a promising strategy for
intensifying the modulation of Aβ aggregation or promoting Aβ clearance
and thus facilitating AD treatment.