Neurobiology of Dementia and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders

Dementia and neurodegeneration diseases in general are one of the last unsolved frontiers in modern medicine. The rising prevalence of dementias due to population aging poses a major socioeconomic challenge to the healthcare system. Although notable insights into the complex clinical, pathological, genetic, and molecular changes associated with dementia syndromes have been achieved over the last two decades, current treatment strategies for these incapacitating conditions remain limited. In this chapter, the heterogeneous clinicopathological characteristics of common dementias are reviewed (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases), our current understanding of the underlying neurobiological changes as well as the ongoing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of these complex syndromes are discussed. Finally, future opportunities for targeted interventions are highlighted.