Alzheimer’ s disease is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disease. Its pathogenesis is complicated, and its pathological changes mainly involve β-amyloid protein deposition, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation and synaptic abnormalities. The matrix metalloproteinase family can alter the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease by influencing β-amyloid metabolism, participating in the formation of Tau oligomers, disrupting brain barrier function, promoting neuroinflammation, and influencing synaptic plasticity. To provide a theoretical basis for matrix metalloproteinases as potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’ s disease, we reviewed the existing research on matrix metalloproteinases and Alzheimer’s disease.