The Glymphatic System and Brain Health: A New Frontier in Neurodegeneration Prevention
Meyserel Ayverdi1, Oytun Erbaş1
1ERBAS Institute of Experimental Medicine, Illinois, USA & Gebze, Türkiye
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, aquaporin-4, brain clearance, CSF, glymphatic system, sleep.
Abstract
The glymphatic system is a recently discovered fluid clearance pathway in the brain that plays a central role in removing metabolic waste through the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. It is especially active during sleep and influenced by circadian rhythms, vascular pulsatility, and astrocytic aquaporin-4 channels. Growing evidence links dysfunction of this system to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This review outlines the anatomical structure and physiological function of the glymphatic network, discusses its role in brain health and disease, and highlights both current diagnostic methods and emerging therapeutic strategies. Finally, it explores preventive approaches and future directions for clinical translation, emphasizing the system’s potential in protecting brain function across the lifespan.
Cite this article as: Ayverdi M, Erbaş O. The Glymphatic System and Brain Health: A New Frontier in Neurodegeneration Prevention. JEB Med Sci 2025;6(2):53-59.