Neurodegeneration and inflammation.

Recent studies have demonstrated a strong link between neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation. The central nervous system (CNS) has very limited regenerative capacity. Neural cell death occurs by apoptosis and necrosis. Necrosis in the CNS usually follows ischemic or traumatic brain injury. Apoptosis is known as programmed cell death and often demonstrates histologic features of acute and chronic neurologic diseases. The innate immune response is protective to the CNS to defend against pathogens. Temporary up-regulation of inflammatory events is natural and does not lead to cell death. If this inflammatory process is up-regulated, neurodegenerative changes may occur. There has been a proven link between the inflammatory response, increased cytokine formation, and neurodegeneration. Both pharmaceutic and nutrition interventions for treating chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis, will be focused on reducing or terminating the chronic inflammatory response.