Neuroregeneration in neurodegenerative disorders.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neuroregeneration is a relatively recent concept that includes neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neurorestoration--implantation of viable cells as a therapeutical approach. DISCUSSION: Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are impaired in brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's Disease and correlate with low endogenous protection, as a result of a diminished growth factors expression. However, we hypothesize that the brain possesses, at least in early and medium stages of disease, a "neuroregenerative reserve", that could be exploited by growth factors or stem cells-neurorestoration therapies. SUMMARY: In this paper we review the current data regarding all three aspects of neuroregeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.