High Prevalence of Neurodegenerative Disorders Boosts R&D and Clinical Trials in Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment

Neurodegenerative disorders represent the largest therapeutic challenge of our time. Worldwide, it is estimated that over 60 million individuals suffer with neurodegenerative disorders, which significantly compromise the function of their central nervous system and other important organs and systems. The most common form of neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's disease. According to Alzheimer’s Association, around 5.8 million people in the U.S. aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2020.

Neurodegenerative disease treatment involves many therapies. However, the effectiveness of some therapies remains controversial. One of the most popular forms of therapy is surgery; however, this approach is quite risky and has a high failure rate. Another popular form of therapy is chemical therapy, in which the body is inundated with medications and drugs in order to kill off affected neurons. This approach, while effective, is also controversial due to the fact that it uses harsh chemicals to kill off cells and it has been associated with numerous side effects including organ toxicity and neurological disorders.

Recently, researchers have been focusing their efforts on alternative therapies such as massage therapy and autogenics; these therapies utilize essential oils and herbal extracts, commonly found in natural foods, to help repair damaged brains. Moreover, vaccines also play a major role in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Several companies are focused on clinical study with the vaccines candidates. In November 2020, Alzinova AB announced the upcoming clinical study with the vaccine candidate ALZ-101 at the scientific congress Clinical Trials in Alzheimer's Disease. The planned study will be conducted in patients with early Alzheimer's disease and is expected to commence during the second quarter 2021.

Autogenics is an effective neurodegenerative disease treatment because it is able to stop or slow the progression of nerve cell degeneration caused by neurodegenerative disease. Autogenics are especially beneficial in dealing with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which are the two most common types of neurodegenerative disorders. A type of this therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses extremely strong magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in order to treat patients with neurological disorders like stroke, nerve paralysis, and brain cancer. Although this form of therapy has shown promising results in treating a number of neurodegenerative disorders, it is no longer considered experimental due to the fact that it was approved by the FDA in 2020. In fact, more physicians are using it to treat patients with these diseases.

An additional form of therapy for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease is cognitive behavior therapy. This form of therapy is designed to help patients cope with the debilitating symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. Cognitive behavior therapy was developed by the behavioral treatment program of the Armed Forces Health Servicemen. The program was developed so that soldiers suffering from neurodegenerative disease would be able to cope with the difficulties of living with such a condition. Although this form of therapy has provided limited success in treating dementia, it is an urgent need for many soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative disorders.