Over the past two decades, there has been increasing research into the
molecular composition and function of small extracellular vesicles in
the central nervous system. This is due in part to the recognition that
small extracellular vesicles likely contribute to the pathogenesis of
neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but also an
understanding that small extracellular vesicles are a source of
potential biomarkers. Small extracellular vesicles carry specific cargo
that reflects their biogenesis and cellular origins, including protein,
RNA and lipid. While the protein and RNA content of small extracellular
vesicles in the central nervous system diseases and have been studied
extensively, our understanding of the lipidome of small extracellular
vesicles in the central nervous system is still in its infancy. Lipids
play a significant role in maintaining central nervous system structure
and function, and the dysregulation of lipid metabolism is known to
occur in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
Here we review what is currently known about lipid dyshomeostasis in
Alzheimer's disease. We propose that small extracellular vesicle lipids
may provide insight into the pathophysiology and progression of
Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, and, in the future
perhaps, aid in disease monitoring and detection.