Neuroprotective Strategies in Neurodegenerative Disease Management

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are driven by a complex interplay of protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Neuroprotective strategies aim to preserve neuronal integrity, slow progression and ameliorate symptoms by targeting these pathogenic pathways. Approaches include modulation of neuroinflammation through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulation of microglial activation, and restoration of mitochondrial bioenergetics via agents that enhance respiratory chain function and reduce reactive oxygen species. Small molecules and biologics are being developed to stabilise protein homeostasis, for example by promoting autophagic clearance of misfolded aggregates or inhibiting toxic oligomerisation. Trophic support strategies harness neurotrophic factors or mimic their signalling to foster neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Gene-based interventions and stem-cell therapies offer further avenues to replace lost neural populations or deliver protective payloads. Finally, emerging tactics exploit the gut–brain axis by reshaping the intestinal microbiota to curb systemic and central inflammation. Together, these multifaceted efforts converge on preserving neuronal networks and improving functional outcomes in patients worldwide.

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Neuroprotective Strategies in Neurodegenerative Disease Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in neuroprotective strategies in neurodegenerative disease management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Neuroinflammation: Activation of glial cells and release of cytokines within the central nervous system that can exacerbate neuronal injury.

Gut microbiota: The community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract whose metabolic activities influence systemic and brain immunity.

PI3K/AKT signalling pathway: A key intracellular cascade that promotes cell survival, growth and metabolism, often targeted to prevent neuronal apoptosis.

Microglia: Resident immune cells of the brain that monitor the neural environment and enact inflammatory or reparative responses.

References

1. Oral [60]fullerene reduces neuroinflammation to alleviate Parkinson's disease via regulating gut microbiome. Theranostics (2023).
2. Sodium oligomannate therapeutically remodels gut microbiota and suppresses gut bacterial amino acids-shaped neuroinflammation to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease progression. Cell Research (2019).
3. PI3K/AKT Signal Pathway: A Target of Natural Products in the Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2021).