Visualising the Knowledge Structure of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: A CiteSpace Analysis.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Visualising the Knowledge Structure of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: A CiteSpace Analysis.
Authors: Wang, Qi, Zhang, Xiuchu, Wang, Delong, Jiang, Xinyu, Zhou, Yanyan, Zhang, Te, Yang, Xueying, Liu, Li, Li, Quan
Source: Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare; Sep2025, Vol. 18, p5917-5933, 17p
Subject Terms: ALZHEIMER'S disease, MICROGLIA, TRANSLATIONAL research, INFLAMMASOMES, BIBLIOMETRICS, NEUROINFLAMMATION
Geographic Terms: CHINA
Abstract: Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health burden, yet effective therapies remain elusive. Microglia—the brain's resident immune cells—have emerged as key players in AD, capable of both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. To elucidate research progress and gaps, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of global studies on "microglia and AD" from 2010 to 2025, highlighting advances beyond prior reviews. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for relevant publications (2010– 2025). After screening and deduplication, 12,275 records were analysed with CiteSpace 6.2.R4 to generate co-citation networks, keyword clusters, citation-burst timelines, and collaboration maps at national, institutional, and author levels. Results: Annual output rose markedly, peaking in 2022. The United States and China led the field; Harvard University, the University of California System, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most prolific institutions. Influential authors included Holtzman, Heneka, Zetterberg, and Colonna. Co-citation analysis revealed three dominant knowledge clusters: microglial activation, TREM2-mediated immune responses, and neuroinflammation. Keyword evolution showed growing attention to TREM2 variants, NLRP3 inflammasome, single-cell omics, and novel imaging techniques, reflecting a shift toward microglial heterogeneity and translational research. Conclusion: Microglia occupy a central position in AD pathogenesis through intertwined molecular pathways and dynamic functional states. Future work should refine subtype-specific roles, integrate peripheral–central immune interactions, and accelerate the translation of mechanistic insights into targeted interventions. This bibliometric overview maps collaboration patterns and emerging themes, providing a strategic guide for researchers aiming to advance microglia-focused AD therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:Purpose: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health burden, yet effective therapies remain elusive. Microglia—the brain's resident immune cells—have emerged as key players in AD, capable of both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. To elucidate research progress and gaps, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of global studies on "microglia and AD" from 2010 to 2025, highlighting advances beyond prior reviews. Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for relevant publications (2010– 2025). After screening and deduplication, 12,275 records were analysed with CiteSpace 6.2.R4 to generate co-citation networks, keyword clusters, citation-burst timelines, and collaboration maps at national, institutional, and author levels. Results: Annual output rose markedly, peaking in 2022. The United States and China led the field; Harvard University, the University of California System, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the most prolific institutions. Influential authors included Holtzman, Heneka, Zetterberg, and Colonna. Co-citation analysis revealed three dominant knowledge clusters: microglial activation, TREM2-mediated immune responses, and neuroinflammation. Keyword evolution showed growing attention to TREM2 variants, NLRP3 inflammasome, single-cell omics, and novel imaging techniques, reflecting a shift toward microglial heterogeneity and translational research. Conclusion: Microglia occupy a central position in AD pathogenesis through intertwined molecular pathways and dynamic functional states. Future work should refine subtype-specific roles, integrate peripheral–central immune interactions, and accelerate the translation of mechanistic insights into targeted interventions. This bibliometric overview maps collaboration patterns and emerging themes, providing a strategic guide for researchers aiming to advance microglia-focused AD therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:11782390
DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S521350