Application of complementary and alternative medicine on neurodegenerative disorders : current status and future prospects (editorial)

Neurodegenerative disorders are defined as hereditary and sporadic conditions which are characterized by progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in sensory, motor, and cognitive systems. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression are well-known examples of neurodegenerative disorders. The World Health Organization estimates that, by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will surpass cancer as the principal cause of death in industrialized countries. Despite various advances in the understanding of the diseases, pharmacological treatment by conventional medicine has not obtained satisfactory results. Therefore, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can be a potential candidate for the preventative treatment of the disorders. The aim of this special issue is to demonstrate the clinical evidence and explore the acting mechanisms of CAM in treating neurodegenerative disorders.