Bioactive Compounds, Lifestyle Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, Prion disease, Motor neuron disease, Huntington’s disease, Spinocerebellar ataxia, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of the Central Nervous System. Dementia is responsible for the greatest burden of neurodegenerative diseases, with AD representing approximately 70% of dementia cases. These neurodegenerative diseases are mainly caused by protein misfolding or by disruptions to protein degradation and mitochondrial function pathways, or have genetic origin. Life-style factors including diet, physical and mental activity, monitoring of vascular risk factors are linked to brain health, and the benefits of these lifestyle factors on general well-being has been researched and documented for decades. In particular, certain food-based chemicals, bioactive compounds and physical activity yield health benefits that may have the potential to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. With no effective treatment for these diseases currently available, investigations aimed at modifying the course of the disease, represents a vital public health initiative with potential for tremendous impact.

With this Research Topic, we wish to highlight the effect of bioactive compounds, diet, and lifestyle factors on neurodegenerative disease phenotypes, as well as to elucidate potential mechanisms of action, and biological targets. We welcome you to contribute to this collection by submitting a Review, Mini-review, Perspectives, General Commentaries, Protocols, and Original Research articles.

This Research Topic will encompass the following subtopics:
• Macro-, micro-nutrients and dietary patterns for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and associated risk factors;
• Nutraceuticals, lifestyle factors and healthy aging;
• Factors that improve cognition by conferring neuroprotection, and brain plasticity;
• Biological targets for natural products;
• New technologies for detecting the presence of neurodegenerative disease pathology;