editorial: smart drug delivery system – overcoming swallowing barriers in dementia-affected seniors

In patients with alzheimer's disease (ad), dysphagia — a condition affecting most individuals with moderate-to-severe dementia — novel drug delivery systems (ndds), including orally disintegrating tablets, transdermal patches, and intranasal sprays, offer a promising approach to improving medication adherence. these delivery modalities enhance compliance, provide more stable drug exposure, reduce swallowing-related complications such as aspiration pneumonia, and facilitate integration with non-pharmacological interventions by eliminating the need for oral swallowing. however, their implementation faces several challenges, including skin sensitivity associated with transdermal systems, nasal irritation with intranasal formulations, regulatory hurdles related to advanced nanocarrier technologies, and the need for supportive health policies and caregiver education to ensure equitable and effective use across diverse care settings.