Pathogenesis and Modern Therapeutic Approaches in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive and irreversible damage to the central nervous system, representing a major global health challenge. This article analyzes the pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and current therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, key pathogenic factors include β-amyloid plaque accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. In Parkinson’s disease, degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, α-synuclein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are primary mechanisms. Recently, biomarkers (cerebrospinal fluid and plasma Aβ42, phosphorylated tau, neurofilament light chain, and α-synuclein) have gained importance for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Current treatments go beyond symptomatic therapy and include disease-modifying approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies, neuroprotective strategies, and gene therapy. Gene therapy using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to deliver neurotrophic factors or modulate pathological protein expression is considered a promising avenue. Analyses suggest that molecular biomarkers and gene-based therapies may play a key role in developing individualized treatment concepts in the future.