Shared molecular mechanisms in aging and neurodegenerative diseases: from mechanistic insights to therapeutic strategies

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive functional decline and increased vulnerability to age-related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. At the biological level, aging is characterized by a range of molecular and cellular mechanisms, including genomic instability, telomere attrition, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation, which collectively contribute to cognitive decline and neuronal dysfunction over time. These hallmarks do not function independently but instead interact with one another during aging and neurodegeneration. Consequently, brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases are recognized as closely interconnected processes. To better understand this relationship, it is essential to examine the shared molecular and cellular mechanisms that link brain aging to neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize the principal mechanisms underlying aging and neurodegenerative diseases, examine their roles in these processes, and highlight how their interactions shape both aging and neurodegeneration. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting key mechanisms involved in aging and neurodegeneration.