Some of the most devastating human diseases are the neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) which affect millions of Americans and many more around the world. Although there are numerous NDDs, they all share some key characteristics including cell dysfunction and death leading to cognitive and emotional problems, abnormal movement, problems with mobility and balance, bladder and bowel issues, and sleep disturbance. Medications help with some of the symptoms, but they don’t get to the root of the problem.
Common NDDs
The most common NDD is Alzheimer’s disease with Parkinson’s disease (PD) becoming a close second. More people than ever before are being diagnosed with PD and the vast majority are white male farmers. The use of fertilizers and weed killers have been associated with the increase in this population. Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are also major NDDs.
Causes of NDDs
It is widely believed in research that there are several causes of neuronal death including:
- Oxidative stress or free radicals
- Genetic mutations
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Neuroinflammation
- Protein aggregation
- Defective autophagy
Today’s Drugs Aren’t Enough
The limitations of medications for NDDs today have researchers scrambling for new and better intervention and compounds that may target the causes of NDDs. A major goal in research is to develop an approach to preserve the functions and neural networks of neural tissue before any damage takes place. This would provide a better alternative to medications and get to the source of the problem before it arises.
The Neuroprotective Approach
It is hoped that with more research, a neuroprotective approach will emerge that will prevent or slow down the development or progression of NDDs. While our neurons are amazing machines with the ability to repair themselves, they can only do this for so long before they become dysfunctional and die. A neuroprotective approach may, in many ways, give the cells a fighting chance and block the formation of free radicals or cool down neuroinflammation.
Final Thoughts on Neuroprotective Strategies
NDDs affect far too many people here in the United States and around the world. They are chronic, irreversible and incurable and today’s medications, while they can help manage certain symptoms, just don’t hit the right targets to slow down deterioration or prevent the disease from developing in the first place. It is hoped that with more research neuroprotective agents will be developed to hit their mark and give people hope.