Preface

Neurodegenerative and neurological disorders cost patients and societies trillions of dollars in terms of health care and out-of-pocket costs every year. This significant economical and neurodegenerative burden of brain disorders is expected to grow exponentially, especially in low- and middle-income countries in the next decade, if left unattended. There is a desperate need to focus our research strategies on epidemiology, disease frequency, and the understanding of the associated risk factors and possible outcomes to develop the therapeutics faster.

Volume 10 of our book series Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research - CNS and Neurological Disorders presents a set of creative and ground-breaking research endeavors of established as well as emerging researchers in the field. Our eminent authors have reviewed, evaluated, commented, and provided their valued feedback regarding the current central nervous system disorders to keep our readers updated.

For instance, chapter 1 compares the potency of therapeutic preparations derived from medicinal plants with the currently available pharmaceutical treatments for Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s Diseases. The chapter specifically focuses on the active ingredients, molecular targets, and challenges to developing plant-based pharmaceuticals. Chapter 2 reviews the biochemical and physiological mechanism(s) of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. The chapter also highlights the emerging therapies, such as stem cell progenitor cells transplantation, and the targeting of neurogenesis, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative damage to treat Parkinson's disease. Chapter 3 summarizes the translational limitations of using neurotrophic factors in various preclinical and clinical trials to combat neurodegeneration and neuropathic pain in Parkinson’s disease. The author also discusses the current alternatives with improved translational perspectives, such as mutant proteins, small molecules, and peptides that target receptors for neurotrophic factors. Chapter 4 highlights the advantages of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy to explore the neural bases of executive functions in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The authors also discuss the utility of the technique in managing the accessibility and tolerance of body motion while measuring the sensitive cortical oxyhemoglobin concentration changes associated with neuronal activation. Chapter 5 analyses the translational potential of a non-CpG, and non-coding oligodeoxynucleotide (IMT504) as an anti-nociceptive to treat chronic pain. The chapter describes the immunomodulating, and anti-inflammatory activities of the oligodeoxynucleotide, and explores its future potential as a multi-target pain medication. Chapter 6 reviews the application, efficacy, and development of current anticonvulsants in chronic pain management. Chapter 7 evaluates the behavioral, morphological, and nootropic effects of testosterone treatment on brain functioning. The chapter emphasizes the limitations of testosterone clinical application in mitigating aging-related cognitive decline.

In a nutshell, the current volume brings together another collection of exciting and cutting-edge research works of prominent scientists from all corners of the world. It is anticipated that the scholarly compendium of timely review articles will serve as the harbinger of new brain therapeutics in the near future.

We are grateful for the timely efforts made by the editorial personnel, especially Mr. Mahmood Alam (Editorial Director Publications), and Ms. Asma Ahmed (Senior Manager Publications) at Bentham Science Publishers.