Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Mediators, and Dementia: An Integrative Review

This study aims to provide an integrative understanding of the complex relationship between oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Employing a qualitative descriptive design through a library-based study, this research systematically analyzes recent peer-reviewed literature from 2015 to 2025. Data were collected through comprehensive literature tracing and document analysis of academic articles, theoretical reviews, and clinical findings related to oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms in neurodegeneration. The data were processed through stages of thematic identification, reduction, categorization, and inductive interpretation to derive a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. The results reveal that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation act as interdependent and self-reinforcing mechanisms in the pathogenesis of dementia. Mitochondrial dysfunction, excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chronic activation of inflammatory pathways—particularly NLRP3 and NF-κB—were identified as core contributors to neuronal degeneration and cognitive decline. Furthermore, evidence highlights the critical role of systemic inflammation in amplifying central nervous system damage through blood–brain barrier disruption. These findings emphasize the need for multi-targeted therapeutic approaches integrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory strategies, rather than isolated single-pathway treatments. The study contributes to the advancement of theoretical frameworks linking oxidative and inflammatory pathways in neurodegeneration and underscores their relevance for preventive and therapeutic innovation. In conclusion, this integrative review enriches the understanding of dementia as a multi-system disorder, providing conceptual and practical insights for future translational research in neurodegenerative disease management.