MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
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Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive and irreversible disorders of the central nervous system characterized by neuronal death and functional dysfunction. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, neurodegenerative diseases affected more than 55 million people worldwide and are among the leading causes of disability and death. Alzheimer’s disease alone accounts for over 50 million cases (WHO, 2023). This article analyzes the molecular mechanisms of major neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The main molecular bases of these diseases include protein aggregation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors. The article provides an extensive overview of each mechanism supported by scientific data and statistical indicators, aiming to enhance the understanding of neurodegenerative processes. Research indicates that these mechanisms are interrelated and co-occur in approximately 80–90% of cases (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022).
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