Author: Raul Delgado-Morales
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319538896
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 520
Book Description
Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA modifications, histone alterations and non-coding RNAs) are crucial for transcriptional regulation and alterations of the “physiological epigenome” are increasingly associated with human diseases. During the last decade the emerging field of neuroepigenomics have started to impact tremendously in areas such learning and memory, addiction or neurodegeneration. This expert volume covers the role of epigenetic molecular mechanism in regulation of central nervous system’s function, one of the most exciting areas of contemporary molecular neuroscience. The book describes the current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of human disease covering the complete lifespan: from neurodevelopment/childhood (Rett Syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi, autism), adolescence (eating disorders, drug addiction, anxiety), adulthood (depression, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease) and elderly (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). The book also covers the three major players on neuroepigenomic mechanisms: histones alterations, DNA modifications and non-coding RNAs, their roles at the molecular and cellular level and the impact of their alterations on neuronal function and behavior. Finally, a special chapter on state-of-the-art technologies helps the reader not only to understand epigenetic driven changes in human cognition and diseases but also the methodology that will help to generate paradigm shifts on our understanding of brain function and the role of the neuroepigenome in human diseases.
Neuroepigenomics in Aging and Disease
Author: Raul Delgado-Morales
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319538896
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 520
Book Description
Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA modifications, histone alterations and non-coding RNAs) are crucial for transcriptional regulation and alterations of the “physiological epigenome” are increasingly associated with human diseases. During the last decade the emerging field of neuroepigenomics have started to impact tremendously in areas such learning and memory, addiction or neurodegeneration. This expert volume covers the role of epigenetic molecular mechanism in regulation of central nervous system’s function, one of the most exciting areas of contemporary molecular neuroscience. The book describes the current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of human disease covering the complete lifespan: from neurodevelopment/childhood (Rett Syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi, autism), adolescence (eating disorders, drug addiction, anxiety), adulthood (depression, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease) and elderly (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). The book also covers the three major players on neuroepigenomic mechanisms: histones alterations, DNA modifications and non-coding RNAs, their roles at the molecular and cellular level and the impact of their alterations on neuronal function and behavior. Finally, a special chapter on state-of-the-art technologies helps the reader not only to understand epigenetic driven changes in human cognition and diseases but also the methodology that will help to generate paradigm shifts on our understanding of brain function and the role of the neuroepigenome in human diseases.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319538896
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 520
Book Description
Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA modifications, histone alterations and non-coding RNAs) are crucial for transcriptional regulation and alterations of the “physiological epigenome” are increasingly associated with human diseases. During the last decade the emerging field of neuroepigenomics have started to impact tremendously in areas such learning and memory, addiction or neurodegeneration. This expert volume covers the role of epigenetic molecular mechanism in regulation of central nervous system’s function, one of the most exciting areas of contemporary molecular neuroscience. The book describes the current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of human disease covering the complete lifespan: from neurodevelopment/childhood (Rett Syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi, autism), adolescence (eating disorders, drug addiction, anxiety), adulthood (depression, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease) and elderly (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). The book also covers the three major players on neuroepigenomic mechanisms: histones alterations, DNA modifications and non-coding RNAs, their roles at the molecular and cellular level and the impact of their alterations on neuronal function and behavior. Finally, a special chapter on state-of-the-art technologies helps the reader not only to understand epigenetic driven changes in human cognition and diseases but also the methodology that will help to generate paradigm shifts on our understanding of brain function and the role of the neuroepigenome in human diseases.
Epigenetic Regulation in the Nervous System
Author: J. David Sweatt
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123944058
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
Epigenetic Regulation in the Nervous System addresses current understanding of the roles of epigenetic processes at the molecular/cellular level, their impact on neural development and behavior, and the potential roles of these mechanisms in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This award-winning volume spans molecular epigenetics, development, cellular physiology and biochemistry, synaptic and neural plasticity, and behavioral models, and is unique in covering epigenetically based disorders of the central nervous system.Behavioral epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors alter behavior, addressing the fundamental mechanisms that shape development and individual vulnerability/resilience to adverse behavioral outcomes. By understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in epigenetic modulation, researchers may be able to develop targeted therapies for those individuals in whom it malfunctions.Edited by the most highly regarded leaders in the field, this book offers a comprehensive review of behavioral epigenetics and a balanced treatment of the strengths and weaknesses in experimentation in this area. Covering background material as well as topics of current interest, it serves both as a cutting-edge resource and a foundational reference. The book will benefit neuroscience researchers and graduate students with an interest in the links between gene regulation and behavior, as will clinicians dealing with disorders such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. - BMA Medical Book Awards 2014 - Highly Commended, Neurology, British Medical Association - BMA Medical Book Awards 2014 - First Prize, Neurology, British Medical Association - 2013 PROSE Award winner for Best in Reference Works and Best Single Volume Reference in Science from the Association of American Publishers - Presents a unified view of epigenetic mechanisms from behavior to genes and everything in between - Discusses clinically relevant disorders in the context of epigenetics research, making the volume appealing to clinicians as well as basic scientists - Provides numerous practical examples for the new investigator to facilitate implementation of research in neuroepigenetics
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123944058
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
Epigenetic Regulation in the Nervous System addresses current understanding of the roles of epigenetic processes at the molecular/cellular level, their impact on neural development and behavior, and the potential roles of these mechanisms in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This award-winning volume spans molecular epigenetics, development, cellular physiology and biochemistry, synaptic and neural plasticity, and behavioral models, and is unique in covering epigenetically based disorders of the central nervous system.Behavioral epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors alter behavior, addressing the fundamental mechanisms that shape development and individual vulnerability/resilience to adverse behavioral outcomes. By understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in epigenetic modulation, researchers may be able to develop targeted therapies for those individuals in whom it malfunctions.Edited by the most highly regarded leaders in the field, this book offers a comprehensive review of behavioral epigenetics and a balanced treatment of the strengths and weaknesses in experimentation in this area. Covering background material as well as topics of current interest, it serves both as a cutting-edge resource and a foundational reference. The book will benefit neuroscience researchers and graduate students with an interest in the links between gene regulation and behavior, as will clinicians dealing with disorders such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. - BMA Medical Book Awards 2014 - Highly Commended, Neurology, British Medical Association - BMA Medical Book Awards 2014 - First Prize, Neurology, British Medical Association - 2013 PROSE Award winner for Best in Reference Works and Best Single Volume Reference in Science from the Association of American Publishers - Presents a unified view of epigenetic mechanisms from behavior to genes and everything in between - Discusses clinically relevant disorders in the context of epigenetics research, making the volume appealing to clinicians as well as basic scientists - Provides numerous practical examples for the new investigator to facilitate implementation of research in neuroepigenetics
The Epigenetics Revolution
Author: Nessa Carey
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231530714
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
Epigenetics can potentially revolutionize our understanding of the structure and behavior of biological life on Earth. It explains why mapping an organism's genetic code is not enough to determine how it develops or acts and shows how nurture combines with nature to engineer biological diversity. Surveying the twenty-year history of the field while also highlighting its latest findings and innovations, this volume provides a readily understandable introduction to the foundations of epigenetics. Nessa Carey, a leading epigenetics researcher, connects the field's arguments to such diverse phenomena as how ants and queen bees control their colonies; why tortoiseshell cats are always female; why some plants need cold weather before they can flower; and how our bodies age and develop disease. Reaching beyond biology, epigenetics now informs work on drug addiction, the long-term effects of famine, and the physical and psychological consequences of childhood trauma. Carey concludes with a discussion of the future directions for this research and its ability to improve human health and well-being.
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231530714
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
Epigenetics can potentially revolutionize our understanding of the structure and behavior of biological life on Earth. It explains why mapping an organism's genetic code is not enough to determine how it develops or acts and shows how nurture combines with nature to engineer biological diversity. Surveying the twenty-year history of the field while also highlighting its latest findings and innovations, this volume provides a readily understandable introduction to the foundations of epigenetics. Nessa Carey, a leading epigenetics researcher, connects the field's arguments to such diverse phenomena as how ants and queen bees control their colonies; why tortoiseshell cats are always female; why some plants need cold weather before they can flower; and how our bodies age and develop disease. Reaching beyond biology, epigenetics now informs work on drug addiction, the long-term effects of famine, and the physical and psychological consequences of childhood trauma. Carey concludes with a discussion of the future directions for this research and its ability to improve human health and well-being.
Handbook of Neurobehavioral Genetics and Phenotyping
Author: Valter Tucci
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118540719
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 648
Book Description
The Handbook of Behavioral Genetics and Phenotyping represents an integrative approach to neurobehavioural genetics; worldwide experts in their field will review all chapters. Advanced overviews of neurobehavioural characteristics will add immense value to the investigation of animal mutants and provide unique information about the genetics and behavioural understanding of animal models, under both normal and pathological conditions. Cross-species comparisons of neurobehavioural phenotypes will pave the way for an evolutionary understanding of behaviour. Moreover, while biological sciences are progressing towards a holistic approach to investigate the complexity of organisms (i.e., “systems biology” approach), an integrated analysis of behavioural phenotyping is still lacking. The Handbook of Behavioral Genetics and Phenotyping strengthens the cross-talk within disciplines that investigate the fundamental basis of behaviour and genetics. This will be the first volume in which traditionally distant fields including genomics, behaviour, electrophysiology, neuroeconomics, and computational neuroscience, among others, are evaluated together and simultaneously accounted for during discussions of future perspectives.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118540719
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 648
Book Description
The Handbook of Behavioral Genetics and Phenotyping represents an integrative approach to neurobehavioural genetics; worldwide experts in their field will review all chapters. Advanced overviews of neurobehavioural characteristics will add immense value to the investigation of animal mutants and provide unique information about the genetics and behavioural understanding of animal models, under both normal and pathological conditions. Cross-species comparisons of neurobehavioural phenotypes will pave the way for an evolutionary understanding of behaviour. Moreover, while biological sciences are progressing towards a holistic approach to investigate the complexity of organisms (i.e., “systems biology” approach), an integrated analysis of behavioural phenotyping is still lacking. The Handbook of Behavioral Genetics and Phenotyping strengthens the cross-talk within disciplines that investigate the fundamental basis of behaviour and genetics. This will be the first volume in which traditionally distant fields including genomics, behaviour, electrophysiology, neuroeconomics, and computational neuroscience, among others, are evaluated together and simultaneously accounted for during discussions of future perspectives.
DNA Modifications in the Brain
Author: Timothy W Bredy
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128017813
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
DNA Modifications in the Brain: Neuroepigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression begins with an historical overview of the early discoveries surrounding DNA methylation in the mammalian brain and then explores the evidence supporting a role for this epigenetic mechanism in controlling gene expression programs across the lifespan in both normal and diseased states. Chapters describe new directions and technological advances, and provide an overview of what the future holds for this exciting new field. This book is ideal for medical, graduate and advanced undergraduate students, but is also a great resource for researchers who need a broad introduction to the dynamic nature of DNA that sheds light on evolving concepts of gene-environment interaction and their effects on adaptation and neuropsychiatric disease. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the many facets of DNA modifications - Discusses the impact of this dynamic epigenetic mechanism across brain development and lifespan at behavioral, cognitive, molecular and genetic levels - Contains contributions by influential leaders in the field - Edited by a Neuroscientist to further promote synthesis between epigenetics, neuroscience, and clinical relevance
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128017813
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
DNA Modifications in the Brain: Neuroepigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression begins with an historical overview of the early discoveries surrounding DNA methylation in the mammalian brain and then explores the evidence supporting a role for this epigenetic mechanism in controlling gene expression programs across the lifespan in both normal and diseased states. Chapters describe new directions and technological advances, and provide an overview of what the future holds for this exciting new field. This book is ideal for medical, graduate and advanced undergraduate students, but is also a great resource for researchers who need a broad introduction to the dynamic nature of DNA that sheds light on evolving concepts of gene-environment interaction and their effects on adaptation and neuropsychiatric disease. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the many facets of DNA modifications - Discusses the impact of this dynamic epigenetic mechanism across brain development and lifespan at behavioral, cognitive, molecular and genetic levels - Contains contributions by influential leaders in the field - Edited by a Neuroscientist to further promote synthesis between epigenetics, neuroscience, and clinical relevance
Environmental Epigenetics
Author: L. Joseph Su
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1447166787
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 327
Book Description
This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1447166787
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 327
Book Description
This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.
Epigenetics of Aging
Author: Trygve O. Tollefsbol
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441906398
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 462
Book Description
Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic processes may play a major role in both cellular and organismal aging. These epigenetic processes include not only DNA methylation and histone modifications, but also extend to many other epigenetic mediators such as the polycomb group proteins, chromosomal position effects, and noncoding RNA. The topics of this book range from fundamental changes in DNA methylation in aging to the most recent research on intervention into epigenetic modifications to modulate the aging process. The major topics of epigenetics and aging covered in this book are: 1) DNA methylation and histone modifications in aging; 2) Other epigenetic processes and aging; 3) Impact of epigenetics on aging; 4) Epigenetics of age-related diseases; 5) Epigenetic interventions and aging: and 6) Future directions in epigenetic aging research. The most studied of epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, has been associated with cellular aging and aging of organisms for many years. It is now apparent that both global and gene-specific alterations occur not only in DNA methylation during aging, but also in several histone alterations. Many epigenetic alterations can have an impact on aging processes such as stem cell aging, control of telomerase, modifications of telomeres, and epigenetic drift can impact the aging process as evident in the recent studies of aging monozygotic twins. Numerous age-related diseases are affected by epigenetic mechanisms. For example, recent studies have shown that DNA methylation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmunity. Other prevalent diseases that have been associated with age-related epigenetic changes include cancer and diabetes. Paternal age and epigenetic changes appear to have an effect on schizophrenia and epigenetic silencing has been associated with several of the progeroid syndromes of premature aging. Moreover, the impact of dietary or drug intervention into epigenetic processes as they affect normal aging or age-related diseases is becoming increasingly feasible.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441906398
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 462
Book Description
Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic processes may play a major role in both cellular and organismal aging. These epigenetic processes include not only DNA methylation and histone modifications, but also extend to many other epigenetic mediators such as the polycomb group proteins, chromosomal position effects, and noncoding RNA. The topics of this book range from fundamental changes in DNA methylation in aging to the most recent research on intervention into epigenetic modifications to modulate the aging process. The major topics of epigenetics and aging covered in this book are: 1) DNA methylation and histone modifications in aging; 2) Other epigenetic processes and aging; 3) Impact of epigenetics on aging; 4) Epigenetics of age-related diseases; 5) Epigenetic interventions and aging: and 6) Future directions in epigenetic aging research. The most studied of epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, has been associated with cellular aging and aging of organisms for many years. It is now apparent that both global and gene-specific alterations occur not only in DNA methylation during aging, but also in several histone alterations. Many epigenetic alterations can have an impact on aging processes such as stem cell aging, control of telomerase, modifications of telomeres, and epigenetic drift can impact the aging process as evident in the recent studies of aging monozygotic twins. Numerous age-related diseases are affected by epigenetic mechanisms. For example, recent studies have shown that DNA methylation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmunity. Other prevalent diseases that have been associated with age-related epigenetic changes include cancer and diabetes. Paternal age and epigenetic changes appear to have an effect on schizophrenia and epigenetic silencing has been associated with several of the progeroid syndromes of premature aging. Moreover, the impact of dietary or drug intervention into epigenetic processes as they affect normal aging or age-related diseases is becoming increasingly feasible.
Neuroepigenetics and Mental Illness
Author: Bart P.F. Rutten
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128125934
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
Neuroepigenetics and Mental Illness, Volume 158, the latest release in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, seeks to provide the most topical, informative, and exciting monographs available on a wide variety of research topics related to prions, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. The series seeks to provide readers with in-depth knowledge of important molecular biological aspects of organismal physiology and function, with this release focusing on Neuroepigenetics in mental illness, Neuroepigenetics of development and neurodevelopmental disorder, Neuroepigenetics of aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, Neuroepigenetics of prenatal psychological stress, Neuroepigenetics of the HPA axis, Neuroepigenetics of the serotonergic system, and more. - Presents updated volumes comprising 15-20 chapters, allowing comprehensive coverage on a topic - Uses tables, diagrams, schemata and color figures to enhance the reader's ability to rapidly grasp the information provided in each chapter
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128125934
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 346
Book Description
Neuroepigenetics and Mental Illness, Volume 158, the latest release in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, seeks to provide the most topical, informative, and exciting monographs available on a wide variety of research topics related to prions, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. The series seeks to provide readers with in-depth knowledge of important molecular biological aspects of organismal physiology and function, with this release focusing on Neuroepigenetics in mental illness, Neuroepigenetics of development and neurodevelopmental disorder, Neuroepigenetics of aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, Neuroepigenetics of prenatal psychological stress, Neuroepigenetics of the HPA axis, Neuroepigenetics of the serotonergic system, and more. - Presents updated volumes comprising 15-20 chapters, allowing comprehensive coverage on a topic - Uses tables, diagrams, schemata and color figures to enhance the reader's ability to rapidly grasp the information provided in each chapter
Interphase Between Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Author: Walter E. Müller
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889634566
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 129
Book Description
The purpose of this Research Topic is to discuss the latest developments in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging represents the major risk factor of the two most relevant neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is generally accepted that symptoms of PD correlate with the severity of degeneration of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons. In most cases neuronal loss during aging is not sufficient to cause clinical symptoms but only leads to a preclinical state of PD. However, in a small number of our population, neurodegeneration by aging gets accelerated by individual (e.g. brain injuries), environmental (e.g. toxins) and genetic (e.g. mutations of the alpha-synuclein gene) factors to reach the critical threshold for clinical symptoms during lifetime. Thus, neurodegeneration in PD appears to represent the common final pathway of “normal brain aging” and all other risk factors including genetics and the accumulation of the neurotoxic alpha-synuclein protein. While aging alone is generally agreed to be sufficient for at least the preclinical state of PD, the situation in AD seems to be different. Aging as the major and well documented risk factor of AD has been neglected for decades. Biochemical mechanisms of brain aging and the cognitive deficits of “normal brain aging” were seen as two not related and independent processes not related to AD. AD has always been characterized for decades by the presence of histopathological alterations (extracellular amyloid- containing plaques and intracellular tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau-protein), by neurodegeneration (synaptic deficits and finally neuronal loss), as well as by severe cognitive deficits clinically often accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms like delusions, as already described in the first famous patient Auguste D at the Psychiatric Hospital of Frankfurt. If or if not one or both of the two histopathological hallmarks play a causative role remains unclear until now. The discovery of homocygotic risk genes in most of the very rare (probably less than 1%) cases of early onset AD which share increased production of β-amyloid (Aβ) as one (but probably not the only one) common property led to the hypothesis of Aβ as the major causative factor for the development of AD. It was neglected that plaques density in the brain of AD patients did not correlate with presence and severity of clinical symptoms, while synaptic deficits did so even in first observations already published many years ago. Based on the Amyloid hypothesis, many drug treatments to remove Aβ plaques were developed. Even if all seemed to remove Aβ to some extent, all strategies failed to improve the symptoms of dementia. Thus, other concepts to explain the development of clinical symptoms of AD over time are needed. These should include the brain aging process not only as a statistical but also as a causative contributing factor. These concepts should not only relay on cell or animal models but should much more take into account the disease and the patients. A closer look at the situation in PD will certainly be helpful.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889634566
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 129
Book Description
The purpose of this Research Topic is to discuss the latest developments in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Aging represents the major risk factor of the two most relevant neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is generally accepted that symptoms of PD correlate with the severity of degeneration of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons. In most cases neuronal loss during aging is not sufficient to cause clinical symptoms but only leads to a preclinical state of PD. However, in a small number of our population, neurodegeneration by aging gets accelerated by individual (e.g. brain injuries), environmental (e.g. toxins) and genetic (e.g. mutations of the alpha-synuclein gene) factors to reach the critical threshold for clinical symptoms during lifetime. Thus, neurodegeneration in PD appears to represent the common final pathway of “normal brain aging” and all other risk factors including genetics and the accumulation of the neurotoxic alpha-synuclein protein. While aging alone is generally agreed to be sufficient for at least the preclinical state of PD, the situation in AD seems to be different. Aging as the major and well documented risk factor of AD has been neglected for decades. Biochemical mechanisms of brain aging and the cognitive deficits of “normal brain aging” were seen as two not related and independent processes not related to AD. AD has always been characterized for decades by the presence of histopathological alterations (extracellular amyloid- containing plaques and intracellular tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau-protein), by neurodegeneration (synaptic deficits and finally neuronal loss), as well as by severe cognitive deficits clinically often accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms like delusions, as already described in the first famous patient Auguste D at the Psychiatric Hospital of Frankfurt. If or if not one or both of the two histopathological hallmarks play a causative role remains unclear until now. The discovery of homocygotic risk genes in most of the very rare (probably less than 1%) cases of early onset AD which share increased production of β-amyloid (Aβ) as one (but probably not the only one) common property led to the hypothesis of Aβ as the major causative factor for the development of AD. It was neglected that plaques density in the brain of AD patients did not correlate with presence and severity of clinical symptoms, while synaptic deficits did so even in first observations already published many years ago. Based on the Amyloid hypothesis, many drug treatments to remove Aβ plaques were developed. Even if all seemed to remove Aβ to some extent, all strategies failed to improve the symptoms of dementia. Thus, other concepts to explain the development of clinical symptoms of AD over time are needed. These should include the brain aging process not only as a statistical but also as a causative contributing factor. These concepts should not only relay on cell or animal models but should much more take into account the disease and the patients. A closer look at the situation in PD will certainly be helpful.
Arousal in Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases
Author: Edgar Garcia-Rill
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128179937
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Arousal in Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases focuses on the dysregulation of arousal found in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Chapters describe the physiology of each process, how it presents in each disorder, and the most appropriate treatment(s). The book also imparts the understanding of the RAS as a system that not only modulates waking, but also survival mechanisms, such as fight vs. flight responses and other reflexes. This book helps neuroscientists, sleep researchers, neurologists and psychiatrists understand the basic mechanisms that modulate arousal in health and disease. In addition, it promotes therapies that can alter the severity and manifestation of multiple disorders. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the basic mechanisms behind dysregulation of arousal in neurological and psychiatric disorders - Describes, in detail, the function of the Reticular Activating System with respect to higher functions, motor control and the intertwining of arousal and motor disorders - Covers multiple neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and autism
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128179937
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Arousal in Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases focuses on the dysregulation of arousal found in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Chapters describe the physiology of each process, how it presents in each disorder, and the most appropriate treatment(s). The book also imparts the understanding of the RAS as a system that not only modulates waking, but also survival mechanisms, such as fight vs. flight responses and other reflexes. This book helps neuroscientists, sleep researchers, neurologists and psychiatrists understand the basic mechanisms that modulate arousal in health and disease. In addition, it promotes therapies that can alter the severity and manifestation of multiple disorders. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the basic mechanisms behind dysregulation of arousal in neurological and psychiatric disorders - Describes, in detail, the function of the Reticular Activating System with respect to higher functions, motor control and the intertwining of arousal and motor disorders - Covers multiple neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and autism