Preface

The book “Metals and Neurological Disorders: Exploring Neurotoxicity Mechanisms and Receptor Targets” has been written with the intent to provide an in-depth, accessible exploration of how metal exposure affects the human nervous system physiologically and pathologically. This book serves as a multidisciplinary resource that connects the dots between toxicology, neurobiology, pharmacology, and clinical research.

Metal ions are essential for numerous physiological functions, but their imbalance or accumulation in the body can lead to emphasizing neurological consequences. Throughout my academic and research experience, I noticed a lack of comprehensive texts addressing the complex interactions between metals and neural tissues, particularly those that integrate molecular mechanisms, receptor-level interactions, clinical evidence, and translational approaches. This gap served as the driving force behind writing this book. The content of this book is arranged to follow a logical flow: beginning with fundamental aspects of metal homeostasis, moving through exposure pathways and mechanisms of toxicity, and progressing into specific disorders, genetic susceptibility, and diagnostic strategies. Special chapters have been dedicated to metals such as aluminium, lead, and iron, which are frequently implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Additional focus is placed on biomarkers, neuropsychological assessments, and advanced imaging techniques to support early diagnosis and targeted interventions.

Further, the book explores emerging tools, such as nanotechnology, along with nutritional and lifestyle strategies that may modulate metal-induced neurotoxicity. A dedicated section on clinical trials and translational research offers insights into how benchside findings are being brought into clinical contexts, with an emphasis on future therapeutic avenues. This book is intended for students, academicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals in disciplines such as pharmacy, neuroscience, medicine, toxicology, and biomedical engineering. Each chapter has been written with a focus on simplicity, accuracy, and practical application, supported by well-illustrated diagrams and up-to-date references.

We hope this book contributes meaningfully to the growing field of neurotoxicology and provides a solid foundation for further academic exploration and research. Constructive feedback and suggestions from readers will be deeply appreciated and will guide future editions of this work.