Books /Neurodegenerative Diseases: Pathology, Mechanisms and Management

9781639879687

Murphy & Moore Publishing

English

2025

$ 158.99

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration or death of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and/or spinal cord. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are prominent examples of neurodegenerative diseases. Pathologically, they involve abnormal protein aggregation (e.g., tau, alpha-synuclein) and neuroinflammation, contributing to neuronal death. Mechanistically, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and aging play significant roles. The mechanisms underlying these diseases often include protein misfolding and aggregation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflamation. Management strategies focus on symptomatic relief, as no cure exists. These include medications to enhance neurotransmitter function, physical therapy for mobility, and cognitive exercises for mental function preservation. Emerging therapies are being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Gene therapy aims to correct genetic mutations or introduce new genes to restore function, while stem cell therapy investigates the potential for repairing or replacing damaged neurons. Targeted protein degradation strategies are also under development to address toxic protein accumulation. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. It discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of neurology. This book attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into the field of neuroscience.