Neuroprotection and neuroplasticity - a holistic approach and future perspectives.

Modern medicine is facing an increasing number of treatments available for vascular and neurodegenerative brain diseases, but no causal or neuroprotective treatment has yet been established. Almost all neurological conditions are characterized by progressive neuronal disfunction, which, regardless of the pathogenetic mechanism, finally leads to neuronal death. Many agents that proved neuroprotective in experimental studies failed in achieving this goal within clinical studies. This paper briefly reviews the latest etiopathogenetic theories regarding nervous system disorders and the most important endeavors in neuroprotection.