A Comprehensive Review of Nanoemulsions as a Potential Strategy for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases

Review Article

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a significant global health burden, characterized by progressive deterioration of the nervous system. Current epidemiological data indicates that neurological conditions affect over 40% of the global population, with projections suggesting this figure will double due to evolving lifestyle factors, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental influences. Among these conditions, Alzheimer's disease stands as the sixth leading cause of death worldwide.

The treatment of neurodegenerative diseases faces substantial challenges, particularly in drug delivery. Key biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, blood-CSF barrier, and blood-leptomeningeal barrier, significantly impede drug absorption from circulation into brain tissue. Effective treatment requires deep brain penetration while maintaining maximum therapeutic efficacy. Nanotechnology-based approaches offer promising solutions to overcome these delivery challenges. Nanoemulsions, in particular, represent an emerging pharmaceutical delivery system that demonstrates superior performance compared to conventional methods. Their advantages include enhanced penetration, rapid onset of action, improved drug solubility, and increased stability. This innovative approach addresses the pharmaceutical challenges of drug delivery in neurodegenerative diseases while offering potential solutions for targeted therapeutic outcomes.