The UN International Day of Families takes place on the 15th of May, presenting an opportunity to focus our attention on issues related to the family. Familial genetic inheritance is a common characteristic of numerous neurodegenerative diseases with a 50% recurrence risk when inheritance is autosomal dominant. However, understanding the genetic incidence of neurodegenerative disorders is complicated and convoluted. For example, around 15% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a familial history of the condition, yet others can contract the disease sporadically. In contrast, Huntington’s disease is caused by an inherited defect in a single gene. As it is an autosomal dominant disorder, the individual only needs to inherit one gene for the condition to occur, however, not all individuals necessarily develop symptoms.
The physiological manifestation of neurodegeneration often occurs decades after inheriting the defective gene. It is estimated that degeneration begins many years before the first symptom materializes although the exact model of the development of neurodegeneration remains under debate. Once a neurodegenerative disease displays clinical symptoms it is often difficult to treat effectively. With an ever-increasing aging population, the early diagnosis of inherited neurodegenerative diseases has never been more necessary.
Recent advances have contributed to our understanding of inherited genetic neurodegeneration yet there is much to be understood. This Research Topic will be used as a platform to shine a light on the latest neurological research that investigates the interplay between neurodegeneration and genetics.
In the spirit of forming a united front, Frontiers is launching a new article collection to coincide with this UN day. This occasion not only offers an opportunity to acknowledge the devastating effects that neurodegeneration as a result of genetic inheritance can have on families but also to consider the importance of increasing research in this field.
Topics may include but are by no means limited to:
• Genetic contribution to age-related neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease and Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive aging disorders and related behaviours
• Investigation into the pathways linking genetic variation and/or mutations in neurodegenerative diseases and cell death
• Methods of early detection of genetic contributions to disease that can be used before the clinical presentation of symptoms
• Delineation of the interplay between genetics and neurodegeneration
Topic Editor Dr. Stelios Ravanidis is employed by ECONCARE. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
The UN International Day of Families takes place on the 15th of May, presenting an opportunity to focus our attention on issues related to the family. Familial genetic inheritance is a common characteristic of numerous neurodegenerative diseases with a 50% recurrence risk when inheritance is autosomal dominant. However, understanding the genetic incidence of neurodegenerative disorders is complicated and convoluted. For example, around 15% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a familial history of the condition, yet others can contract the disease sporadically. In contrast, Huntington’s disease is caused by an inherited defect in a single gene. As it is an autosomal dominant disorder, the individual only needs to inherit one gene for the condition to occur, however, not all individuals necessarily develop symptoms.
The physiological manifestation of neurodegeneration often occurs decades after inheriting the defective gene. It is estimated that degeneration begins many years before the first symptom materializes although the exact model of the development of neurodegeneration remains under debate. Once a neurodegenerative disease displays clinical symptoms it is often difficult to treat effectively. With an ever-increasing aging population, the early diagnosis of inherited neurodegenerative diseases has never been more necessary.
Recent advances have contributed to our understanding of inherited genetic neurodegeneration yet there is much to be understood. This Research Topic will be used as a platform to shine a light on the latest neurological research that investigates the interplay between neurodegeneration and genetics.
In the spirit of forming a united front, Frontiers is launching a new article collection to coincide with this UN day. This occasion not only offers an opportunity to acknowledge the devastating effects that neurodegeneration as a result of genetic inheritance can have on families but also to consider the importance of increasing research in this field.
Topics may include but are by no means limited to:
• Genetic contribution to age-related neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease and Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive aging disorders and related behaviours
• Investigation into the pathways linking genetic variation and/or mutations in neurodegenerative diseases and cell death
• Methods of early detection of genetic contributions to disease that can be used before the clinical presentation of symptoms
• Delineation of the interplay between genetics and neurodegeneration
Topic Editor Dr. Stelios Ravanidis is employed by ECONCARE. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.