Abstract

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are two of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, each with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. This study provides a comparative analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Both conditions are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and functional impairment, though the specific cellular pathways involved differ. AD is primarily marked by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. In contrast, PD is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, with the formation of Lewy bodies containing alpha-synuclein aggregates. The study reviews key molecular pathways involved in these disorders, such as protein misfolding, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Understanding the shared and unique mechanisms between AD and PD may inform therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing or halting neurodegeneration.