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New Therapies and Strategies in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: neurodegenerative diseases; memory; aging; neuropeptides; biologically active substances

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Neurodegenerative diseases”, defined as a group of pathological conditions manifested by different symptoms but all characterized by the progressive degeneration and death of neurons and eventually general organism disability, affect millions of people worldwide. As most, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are strongly related to aging and as, according to the World Health Organization, by 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion), and the number of people aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 (426 million), the number of people with neurodegenerative diseases will continue to rise. Regardless of the rising number of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and the immense social burden it is imposing on society, current treatments help relieve many of the symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, but they do not slow  disease progression, nor do they offer a cure.

At present, extensive research is ongoing in an attempt to find the missing effective cure and therapy, ranging from biologically active substances or a combination of those (based on citicoline, α-lipoic acid, Ginkgo biloba extracts, curcumin, and others) and chemically synthesized compounds (e.g., galantamine derivatives for Alzheimer’s disease and adenosine A2A receptor antagonists and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) blockers for Parkinson’s disease) to the use of antibodies against α-synuclein or its aggregated forms (Prasinezumab and Cinpanemab for Parkinson’s disease) and gamma frequency brainwave stimulation (for cognitive defects and Alzheimer’s disease).

With this Special Issue, we aim to provide a platform for reporting research that would lead to the discovery of new and promising tools for the efficient treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Polina Petkova-Kirova
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • neurodegenerative diseases
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Huntington’s disease
  • aging
  • memory
  • dementia
  • motor dysfunction

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

22 pages, 1582 KiB  
Review
Preclinical Evidence of Withania somnifera and Cordyceps spp.: Neuroprotective Properties for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
by Gabriele Tancreda, Silvia Ravera and Isabella Panfoli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115403 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 885
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the main pathologies of our time, whose incidence and prevalence are suggested to be strongly underestimated. AD presents as a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by marked neuroinflammation and a significant decline in the cognitive and mnemonic [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the main pathologies of our time, whose incidence and prevalence are suggested to be strongly underestimated. AD presents as a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by marked neuroinflammation and a significant decline in the cognitive and mnemonic functions of affected patients. Recognized AD pathological hallmarks include amyloid beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, synaptic dysfunction with considerable apoptosis of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons, and high levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The available pharmacological treatments are represented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat the mild to moderate form of the disease and N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors alone or in combination with the previously cited ones in the late stage of the neurodegenerative condition. Furthermore, emerging drug therapies such as monoclonal antibodies are promising agents in AD management. Although scientific evidence highlights these chemicals as effective in slowing down disease progression, significant limitations behind their employment derive from the notable dose-dependent side effects and the single-target mechanism of action. In this context, two well-studied phytotherapeutics, W. somnifera (W. somnifera) and fungi belonging to the genus Cordyceps, have gained attention for their chemical composition regarding their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Ashwagandha (obtained principally from the roots of W. somnifera) is an adaptogen that relieves stress and anxiety. It contains several ergostane-type steroidal lactones—such as withanolides and withaferin A—and various alkaloids, contributing to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Likewise, cordycepin is the main bioactive principle found in Cordyceps fungi. This natural nucleoside has been reported to possess therapeutic potential as an anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory agent, with some studies suggesting a beneficial role in AD treatment. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the pharmacological properties of W. somnifera and Cordyceps species in the context of AD treatment and explore the therapeutic potential of the constitutive bioactive molecules in preclinical models mimicking this neurodegenerative condition. Full article
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23 pages, 1539 KiB  
Review
Role and Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Biomarker Discovery and Development of Treatment Strategies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
by Yoshihiro Kitaoka, Toshihiro Uchihashi, So Kawata, Akira Nishiura, Toru Yamamoto, Shin-ichiro Hiraoka, Yusuke Yokota, Emiko Tanaka Isomura, Mikihiko Kogo, Susumu Tanaka, Igor Spigelman and Soju Seki
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094346 - 2 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2415
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), present significant challenges owing to their complex pathologies and a lack of curative treatments. Early detection and reliable biomarkers are critical but remain elusive. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool, enabling advancements in [...] Read more.
Neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), present significant challenges owing to their complex pathologies and a lack of curative treatments. Early detection and reliable biomarkers are critical but remain elusive. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool, enabling advancements in biomarker discovery, diagnostic accuracy, and therapeutic development. From optimizing clinical-trial designs to leveraging omics and neuroimaging data, AI facilitates understanding of disease and treatment innovation. Notably, technologies such as AlphaFold and deep learning models have revolutionized proteomics and neuroimaging, offering unprecedented insights into ALS pathophysiology. This review highlights the intersection of AI and ALS, exploring the current state of progress and future therapeutic prospects. Full article
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