XIAP and Alzheimer disease: This study aimed to explore whether dexmedetomidine alleviates AD-associated neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment via reducing overproduction of ROS and regulating the XIAP signaling pathway.<h4>Methods</h4><i>In vitro</i> experiments were conducted using Aβ1-42-exposed SH-SY5Y cells and primary neurons, employing interventions such as the ROS scavenger NAC, yohimbine pre-treatment, and siRNA-mediated XIAP knockdown.