NEURAL PLASTICITY IN NEURODEGENERATION: EXPLORING ADAPTIVE AND MALADAPTIVE MECHANISMS FOR THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES

AHMET ALPEREN PALABIYIK

Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi - 2025;32(3):248-264

Ardahan University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Ardahan, Türkiye

 

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s, represent a significant challenge for modern medicine, marked by progressive neuronal dysfunction and loss. Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt in response to damage, in mitigating cognitive and functional decline in these diseases. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, with a focus on the interaction between neuroinflammation and plasticity in neurodegenerative conditions. We explore various therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological approaches like physical exercise and cognitive training, and advanced technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroimaging techniques. High efficiency omics technologies, including genomics proteomics, and metabolomics, have provided valuable insights into the genetic, molecular, and biochemical factors that influence synaptic function and plasticity. Additionally, immune modulation, through pharmacological and cellular therapies, offers a promising avenue for enhancing neuroplasticity. This review also emphasizes the integration of multimodal strategies, combining pharmacological treatments with advanced neurorehabilitation techniques. By understanding the intricate molecular networks that govern plasticity, researchers can develop more targeted and personalized therapies, aiming to preserve brain function and slow disease progression in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.