Neurodegeneration and aging are pressing issues with significant personal, economic, ethical, and social consequences. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of these conditions remain largely unknown, making the development of effective treatments challenging. The difficulty in early detection and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases further compounds the issue. Recent advancements in genetics, genomics, and brain imaging technology hold great promise for improving our understanding of neurodegeneration and aging, as well as the development of personalized medicine and new drugs and therapies. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach from researchers in various fields. This Special Issue offers valuable insights and perspectives on this critical area of research, which can help advance our understanding and improve the health and well-being of our aging population.

As our world continues to age, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's is expected to rise dramatically [1, 2]. This not only has profound personal and economic consequences, but also raises important ethical and social questions about the role of science and medicine in addressing the needs of our aging population.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing neurodegeneration and aging is the limited understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. Recent studies showed that the biological mechanisms of aging, and their potential as targets for new therapies in neurodegenerative diseases, including the use of NAD+ precursors, induction of mitophagy, and inhibition of cellular senescence [3]. However, despite decades of research, the precise causes of these conditions remain largely unknown, presenting a major obstacle to the development of effective treatments. This highlights the need for increased investment in basic and clinical research in this area. Another challenge is the difficulty in early detection and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases [4]. Many of these conditions have a long, silent period before symptoms appear, which makes it difficult to intervene in a timely and effective manner, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's [5]. This underscores the need for the development of new and improved diagnostic tools, as well as better methods for monitoring the progression of these conditions in real time.

Fortunately, recent advancements in genetics and genomics, as well as the development of new technologies for imaging and studying the brain, have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of neurodegeneration and aging [6]. Additionally, the increasing focus on personalized medicine and the development of new drugs and therapies tailored to the individual needs of patients hold great promise for the future [7]. However, addressing neurodegeneration and aging will require a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach. Researchers from a wide range of fields, including biology, psychology, computer science, and engineering, must work together to find new solutions to these complex problems.

Neurodegeneration and aging are two of the most pressing issues facing our society today. The challenges they present are significant, but the opportunities for progress are just as great. By increasing investment in research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of our aging population, and ensure that their golden years are truly golden. The time to act is now, before the consequences of neurodegeneration and aging become even more devastating.

In summary, the intersection of neurodegeneration and aging is a critical area of research that requires ongoing attention and investment. The articles in this Special Issue offer valuable insights and perspectives on this important topic, and we believe that they will be of great interest to both researchers and healthcare professionals alike.

Author Contributions

CWZ conceptualized and wrote this Editorial.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.