In spite of their diverse clinical manifestations, neurodegenerative diseases share common features and mechanisms, such as abnormal protein misfolding and aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunctions, impaired Ca2+ homeostasis, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis 2,3,4,5.
Highlights. Rivastigmine, Levo/Carbi-dopa, Tetrabenazine, and Arimoclomol are leading therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. These drugs have intriguing therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, with unprecedented endpoints. Roche gained top stats (US$338.7 billion) with many investigational and clinical products.
Diets rich in natural antioxidants and antiinflammatory compounds from fruits, nuts, vegetables, and spices slow down the age-related behavioral decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
A large prospective study found that a diet characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry, as well as limited intake of saturated , and moderate alcohol consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of PD 50.
Pharmacological Treatments: Medications are often prescribed to manage symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For example, levodopa is commonly used in Parkinson's disease to replenish dopamine levels and alleviate motor symptoms.
(A) Triggers of neurodegeneration. Idiopathic neurodegenerative diseases result from the combined action of multiple risk factors that include genetic predisposition, age, and environmental triggers, such as toxins and inflammatory responses involving microglia and astrocytes.
Research has shown that lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise, along with educational pursuits, can be beneficial in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.
While neurodegenerative diseases aren't preventable, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing one. Because these diseases are often due to a combination of factors, reducing the number of factors may help lower your risk. Steps you can take to reduce your risk include: Eat a balanced diet.
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of physical and cognitive disability across the globe, currently affecting approximately 15% of the worldwide population 1. Absolute patient numbers have considerably climbed over the past 30 years.
Currently available therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. While there is no definitive cure for most neurodegenerative diseases, there are various therapies and interventions available to help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.