Neurodegenerative
diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and disability worldwide,
afflicting millions of individuals. These diseases emerge as a result of
multiple factors, sharing pathogenic pathway that includes mitochondrial dysfunction,
misfolded protein aggregation, and oxidative stress. Genetic and environmental
factors have been identified to play a key role in neurodegeneration and modifying
the risk of the disease. The association of neurodegenerative diseases to genetic
factors and environmental agent’s exposure is not well conclusive. As a consequence,
studying the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in neurodegenerative
diseases can help researchers better understand gene and therapy and disease
progression. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to discuss the multifactorial
degenerative process and the role of genetic and environmental factors in common
neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of disease initiation
and progression is crucial for disease prevention and modification of disease risk.
These information would be helpful in the exploration of therapeutic options against
these diseases.
Keywords: Environmental factors, Genetic factors, Multifactorial, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Neurodegenerative diseases, Protein aggregation, Reactive oxygen species, Risk of disease, Therapeutics.
