Breaking the Blood-Brain Barrier: Nanotechnology's Role in TreatingNeurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are progressive conditions characterized by protein misfolding, chronic neuroinflammation, and neuronal death. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major therapeutic challenge due to the limited distribution of drugs into the central nervous system (CNS). Nanotechnology has offered new possibilities for treating CNS disorders through improved and more effective drug delivery. A systematic review was conducted to examine recent advancements in nanotechnology-based approaches for the treatment and management of NDDs. The focus was placed on lipid-based, polymeric, and exosome-based nanoparticles because these systems are effective in crossing the BBB and enhancing drug solubility, bioavailability, and specificity. Articles discussing the application of nanocarriers in regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and early diagnosis were also included. Additionally, the regulatory and ethical implications of nanomedicine use were addressed. Findings highlight the capability of nanotechnology to improve therapeutic delivery to the CNS. In preclinical studies, nanocarriers demonstrated increased BBB penetration and enabled targeted, sustained drug release, resulting in enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimized systemic toxicity. Although nanocarriers represent a transformative strategy for NDD therapy, challenges remain, including standardization, long-term safety evaluation, and regulatory approval. Addressing these issues is essential to support the clinical translation of these promising technologies. Nanotechnology holds significant potential to revolutionize NDD treatment. Continued research, safety validation, and regulatory harmonization are ne