Safety and efficacy of sodium benzoate for patients with mild Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. A key factor in its pathogenesis is the dysfunction of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor due to D-serine degradation by D-amino acid oxidase. Benzoate has been suggested to enhance NMDA receptor function, potentially benefiting early-phase AD.