Neurodegeneration and Ageing: A Fatal Encounter

Human polyglutamine (poly (Q)) induced neurodegenerative disorders are fatal illnesses characterized by progressive loss of neurons in specific areas of brain resulting to various neurological complications leading to death. The disease manifestation is age dependent and major symptoms include abnormal body movement, cognitive deficits, dementia, psychosis, tremors and spasticity. Ageing appears to have a direct impact on poly (Q) disease progression and severity of symptoms is greatly influenced by several intrinsic factors. This review attempts to provide an overview of human poly (Q) diseases and also discuss about the factors affecting progression of neurodegeneration. It also provides an outline of various therapeutic approaches which could be potentially useful to combat these tragic human diseases.