Introduction to neurodegenerative diseases and related techniques

Neurodegenerative disorders are common diseases that afflict our society with tremendous medical and financial burdens. As a whole, neurodegeneration strikes individuals of all ages, but becomes increasingly frequent with age, coming to affect a very large share of our elderly population. Due to the very complex nature of these diseases, which often result from combined genetic and environmental pathogenic factors, the scientific community that researches the causes and the therapy of neurodegeneration faces remarkable challenges, requiring constant technological advancements. This book describes a collection of experimental protocols used to study various aspects of neurodegeneration. In this introduction, we provide an overview of the field and the comprehensive technological approaches required to advance the knowledge in the pathogenesis and cure of neurodegeneration. Then, we introduce the general topics addressed herein with a brief description of each chapter.