Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord. Neurons normally don’t reproduce or replace themselves, so when they become damaged or die they cannot be replaced by the body. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. Dementias are responsible for the greatest burden of neurodegenerative diseases, with Alzheimer’s representing approximately 60-70% of dementia cases. Many of these diseases are genetic. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumour, or a stroke. Other causes may include toxins, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes the cause is not known. Degenerative nerve diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, fried Reich’s ataxia, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy. Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life-threatening. It depends on the type. Most of them have no cure. Treatments may help improve symptoms, relieve pain, and increase mobility.