Researchers have tried various effective treatments that prevent the progressive neurodegeneration of neurons within the brain. Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS) are some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Recent Advances in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders provides interesting updates on treatments of these neurological disorders. Ten chapters have been contributed by experts in pharmacology and give a unique perspective to reader on special topics in this area, including the treatment of neurodegenerative treatment of neurodegenerative disease through ayurveda and phytochemicals, the therapeutic role of vitamins in Parkinson’s disease, mushrooms in NDD treatment, MS treatment, ALS treatment and the use of nanoparticles and nano formulations in NDD treatment. This is an informative reference for pharmacologists, medicinal chemists and healthcare professionals (general practitioners and neurologists) seeking updates in the treatment of some common neurodegenerative disorders.

Neurodegenerative diseases are the most frequent cause of dementia, representing a burden for public health systems (especially in middle and middle-high income countries). Although most research on this issue is concentrated in first-world centers, growing efforts in South America are affording important breakthroughs. This emerging agenda poses new challenges for the region but also new opportunities for the field. This book aims to integrate the community of experts across the globe and the region, and to establish new challenges and developments for future investigation. We present research focused on neurodegenerative research in South America. We introduce studies assessing the interplay among genetic, neural, and behavioral dimensions of these diseases, as well as articles on vulnerability factors, comparisons of findings from various countries, and works promoting multicenter and collaborative networking. More generally, our book covers a broad scope of human-research approaches (behavioral assessment, neuroimaging, electromagnetic techniques, brain connectivity, peripheral measures), animal methodologies (genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, other molecular biology tools), species (all human and non-human animals, sporadic, and genetic versions), and article types (original research, review, and opinion papers). Through this wide-ranging proposal, we hope to introduce a fresh approach to the challenges and opportunities of research on neurodegeneration in South America.

The 8th International Winter Conference on Neurodegeneration from Febru ary 9 to 13, 2000 took place in Tegernsee, Bavaria, Germany. The interest shown in this symposium, which was carried by invited speakers only, was striking. 28 lectures in 5 sessions dealt with themes on basic science and therapy strategies for neurodegenerative illness. This time especially basic mechanism of cell death and resulting causal treatment possibilities were centre themes of the lectures and lively discussions. In accordance with tradi tion 5 lectures on Multiple Sclerosis finished the convention. 60 scientists from 13 countries discussed current questions to these themes. The Symposium started with a lecture on the history of the develop ment of modern-L-DOPA-therapy. Lectures on cell death of dopaminergic nerve cells, new valuation regarding assembly, built up and function of neuromelanin of Substantia nigra and with this, the question of the physio logic and pathobiochemical role of dopamine and neuromelanin built the first block of themes which consequently extended to molecular and genetic aspects of cell death. Highlights of the symposium were neuroprotective and neuroregenerative future therapy strategies together with discussions on the difficulties of clinical neuroprotection. Developmental biological aspects on nerve cells, reorganisation and neurodegeneration showed a stimulating point of view of momentary and future development possibilities of new and more causal forms of therapy of neurodegenerative illness.

The 10th International Winter Conference on Neurodegeneration (lWCN) has taken place from February 14-16,2002, at the lovely "SchloB Ziethen", an old prussian manor (in Prussia, 'faute de mieux', called 'SchloB', i. e. cas tle or residence). This place is 20 km off Tegel Airport, Berlin's main airport, and has been beautifully restored by baroness Edith von Thiingen (nee von BUlow, i. e. of historical Prussian aristocracy); it lends itself rather perfectly for the IWCN type of small interdisciplinary workshops on neurodegenera tion which combine short lectures with plenty of discussion. In this context, we could quote Alexander von Humboldt's famous opening words for one of the first international scientific meetings held at Berlin, on September 18, 1828: "The main purpose ... does not consist in a mutual reading of manuscripts all to be printed after at least one year in specialised publications, but in the personal communication amongst those who work in similar scientific fields; the oral and thus more stimulating exchange of ideas, might they represent facts, opinions or doubts; the foundation of friendly relations which convey illumination to our sciences, serene grace to our lives and tolerance and mildness to our habits ... Berlin, Sept. 18, 1828 Alexander von Humboldt To the IWCN aficionado, it may come as a little surprise that this is the pub lication of the 10th Winter Conference as this might mean that they must have missed number 9.

The book contains original articles and reviews presented at the 6th International Winter Conference on Neurodegeneration, held from November 20–23, 1997 in Kitzbühel/Austria. The aim of this conference was to present and discuss recent data on the interface between neuroimmunology and neurodegeneration, in particular susceptibility to autoimmune and neurodegenerative processes, neuroprotection and restorative treatment strategies. These issues were discussed in the light of recent developments in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease and multisystem atrophy. The articles highlight topics, which are particularly interesting for the clinician and the neuroscientist. Some of the neuroprotective strategies have already been developed or are at present clinically investigated. The neuroprotective role of deep brain stimulation, antiglutamatergic therapy and apomorphine will be verified in clinical studies in the near future. This is also the case for future therapeutic approaches to restoration of the damaged nervous system, such as somatic gene therapy, implantation of genetically modified cell-lines and medically controlled and directed development of embryonic cells. The conference highlighted the role of the glia, which seems to play a key role, both in traditionally as neuroimmunological and neurodegenerative disorders classified diseases, as indicated above. The topics discussed in the book are significant for recent developments in clinical neurology and neuroscience, as shown in the current literature and at international congresses.

Neurodegenerative diseases are major contributors to disability and disease, with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases the most prevalent. This major reference reviews the rapidly advancing knowledge of pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the context of a comprehensive survey of each disease and its clinical features. The editors and contributors are among the leading experts in the field internationally. Covering basic science, diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, the book focuses on all aspects of neurodegenerative disease, including the normal aging process. The dementias, prion diseases, Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, neurodegenerative ataxias, motor neuron diseases, degenerative diseases with chorea, iron and copper disorders, and mitochondrial diseases, are all methodically presented and discussed, with extensive illustrations. In each case the underlying genetics, neuropathological and clinical issues are fully reviewed, making this the most complete as well as the most authoritative reference available to clinicians and neuroscientists.

Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness throughout the world. It is characterized by death of the retinal ganglion cells, which is associated with loss of the axons making up the optic nerve. Recent studies have demonstrated support for the classification of glaucoma as a degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), leading researchers to look at identifying neuroprotection strategies for the treatment of this disease, like those used for other degenerative diseases of the CNS. This book will provide an in-depth examination of the most recent findings regarding glaucoma, including risk factors, diagnosis, clinical monitoring, treatment, and above all, the need for treatment based on the concept of neuroprotection. A large part of the book is devoted to research related to this new approach to the treatment of glaucoma. - Describes the most recent developments on neuroprotection of the optic nerve, including experimental models now used and clinical protocols - Discusses new strategies for the prevention of neuronal injury in glaucoma patients - Focuses on evidence-based risk factors, innovative diagnostic aspects and advanced medical/surgical treatment of glaucoma