Mechanistic research on the vestibular-hippocampal pathway in neurodegenerative diseases: an integrative perspective from molecular to behavioral levels.

This paper systematically reviews the pivotal role and bidirectional regulatory mechanisms of the Vestibular-hippocampal pathway in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease), focusing on the common comorbidity of vestibular dysfunction and cognitive decline. Evidence spanning molecular to behavioral levels indicates that vestibular signal loss can induce hippocampal atrophy and spatial memory impairment through neuroinflammation, impaired synaptic plasticity, and disrupted theta rhythms. Conversely, hippocampal degeneration further impairs vestibular information integration, creating a vicious cycle. Intervention approaches such as vestibular rehabilitation, cognitive training, and neurostimulation show potential for slowing co-morbidity progression. Future research should focus on developing animal models simulating vestibular-neurodegenerative co-morbidity, conducting longitudinal clinical validation using multimodal imaging and electrophysiology techniques, and optimizing neuromodulation strategies and targeted molecular interventions to advance this mechanism toward early diagnosis and precision treatment.