About this Research Topic
During the past decades, the world´s demographics have changed considerably, with an aging global population that, due to constant human progress, is expected to keep rising. Aging constitutes the main risk factor for chronic diseases including neurodegenerative conditions and therefore, the incidence of brain diseases associated with aging is growing, constituting a major health issue worldwide. The effects of aging on the brain are complex and age-related neurodegeneration manifests in the form of different neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal death and loss of specific neuronal populations, leading to a continuous decrease of cognitive and motor functions. Although age-related neurodegenerative disorders have different clinical manifestations, several pathogenic processes are common to these diseases. These include inflammation, altered proteostasis, changes in response to cellular stress, altered intercellular communication, mitochondrial dyshomeostasis and cellular senescence, among others.
Brain disorders linked to aging are one of the main causes of reduced life quality. Thus, it is critical to gain a better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways that are altered during aging, creating an environment that promotes neurodegeneration, ultimately leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the association between established neurodegenerative molecular pathways and novel environmental, epigenetic and dietary factors that may contribute to the progression of neuronal decay, is key for the complete understanding of these disorders. This connection between different topics would allow the design of better approaches to improve prevention strategies and develop successful treatments.
This Research Topic aims to discuss new evidence connecting molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms involved in aging, that might underlie the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, we seek contributions presenting compelling evidence regarding novel environmental and epigenetic events that modulate molecular mechanisms that are altered during aging, driving the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. We especially welcome review articles, original research articles and case reports, exploring novel mechanisms representing potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders, and progressive theories that contribute to the complete understanding of this field.
Brain disorders linked to aging are one of the main causes of reduced life quality. Thus, it is critical to gain a better understanding of the molecular and cellular pathways that are altered during aging, creating an environment that promotes neurodegeneration, ultimately leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, the association between established neurodegenerative molecular pathways and novel environmental, epigenetic and dietary factors that may contribute to the progression of neuronal decay, is key for the complete understanding of these disorders. This connection between different topics would allow the design of better approaches to improve prevention strategies and develop successful treatments.
This Research Topic aims to discuss new evidence connecting molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms involved in aging, that might underlie the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, we seek contributions presenting compelling evidence regarding novel environmental and epigenetic events that modulate molecular mechanisms that are altered during aging, driving the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. We especially welcome review articles, original research articles and case reports, exploring novel mechanisms representing potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders, and progressive theories that contribute to the complete understanding of this field.
Keywords: mechanisms, aging, neurodegeneration, therapeutic target, neurodegenerative disease, neuroprotection
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
