DIFFERENT DRUG ACTIVITY AND MECHANISMS USED IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by the progressive destruction of cells and connections that make up the nervous system. These circumstances are hindering the existence of millions of individuals around the world, at last prompting the breakdown of the brain networks that are expected for human capability. The primary risk factor for the majority of primary neurodegenerative diseases is aging. In fact, it has been long believed that age-related changes in the brain make people more susceptible to neurodegeneration. Unfortunately, research for effective treatments is compromised due to lack of knowledge on the pathologic processes comprehensive these diseases and of dependable biomarkers. Clinical trials are challenging because they necessitate huge populations that must be monitored over extended periods of time, to record potential impacts on the course of the disease. These challenges lead to frequent failures and the waste of financial and human resources. New therapies can come from three main sources: synthesis, natural products, and existing drugs. This last source is known as drug repurposing, which is the most advantageous, since the drug’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles are already established, like cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and other medications, and the investment put into this strategy is not as significant as for the classic development of new drugs. Alternative study designs can be taken into consideration to find disease modifiers and lower the costs of clinical studies, as research in this field must continue until a thorough understanding of fundamental pathologic processes is attained.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788198800473.2025.432-450