Unraveling Neurodegeneration: Pathogenesis, Prevalence and Prospect for Treatment

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are a collection of conditions marked by the progressive decline of neurons, which leads to cognitive deterioration and reduced functional abilities. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is responsible for approximately 60–80% of all dementia cases. Its hallmarks include the buildup of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein, which disrupt neural signaling and trigger synaptic degeneration and neuronal death. As a result, patients experience brain shrinkage, particularly within the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Aside from AD, the category of neurodegenerative diseases also encompasses conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and various other forms of dementia. Each of these illnesses has unique pathological characteristics and clinical presentations. Parkinson’s, for example, primarily involves the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to tremors, muscle stiffness, and related motor disturbances.

In contrast, MS is an autoimmune condition characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath, causing impaired nerve transmission and neurological deficits. Dementia, more broadly, refers to cognitive disorders of varying etiology, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing Alzheimer’s disease. We will examine its definition, the mechanisms underlying its pathology, and available treatment approaches. Gaining insight into these areas is vital for advancing therapies and enhancing the lives of those living with these challenging conditions.