The neurobiology of neurodegenerative disorder: from basic to clinical research. Preface.

摘要

Despite intensive research, the etiology, pathophysiology and molecular basis of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS) are far from clear. The reason the results of preclinical studies do not translate to patients with a neurodegenerative disorder could be a lack of suitable animal models. Since neurodegenerative disorders are complex and progressive, there is no animal model that could replicate entire pathology and symptomatology of the diseases. The lack of effective medications is an additional problem in everyday practice. The treatment with available medications achieves only transient improvement in symptoms and is unable to stop the progress of AD, PD or ALS. The efficacy of new potential drugs is disappointing, probably due to an inappropriate drug target.