Neurodegenerative Disorder: An Overview
摘要
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions that are characterized by progressive loss in the structure of selectively variable populations of neurons and pathology that affects the functions of the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system (CNS), which deteriorates over time. These disorders primarily affect neurons, the cells responsible for transmitting signals throughout the brain and body, fundamentally leading to a gradual decline in cognitive, motor, and sometimes sensory functions. The most common NDDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS). All the important physiological processes like apoptosis, oxidative stress, proteo-toxic stress, and neuro-inflammation are abnormally affected. These clinical manifestations can be mixed or pure as observed in some patients. This chapter has provided a complete overview of the common neurodegenerative disorders including their major risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, current therapeutic strategies, and future therapeutic advancement for disease management.