Epigenetics is a field that is concerned with the investigation of heritable
modifications in gene expression that transpire without DNA sequence alterations,
thereby establishing a connection between the genome and its surroundings.
Epigenetics simply analyzes gene expression amendment beyond variation to the DNA
sequence. The gradual accumulation of epigenetic changes over the course of an
individual's life span may contribute to neurodegeneration. This chapter deals with
epigenetic alteration, which affects the progress of neurodegeneration with age.
Epigenetic regulation, encompassing DNA methylation and histone modification, has
been implicated in the anomalous alterations in gene expression that occur during the
progression of neurodegeneration. The concept of epigenetics is useful to synthesize
novel medications to target these disorders. In recent times, a plethora of epigeneticsbased medications have been developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative
diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Due to a major lack of
early screening processes that allow therapeutic agents to be distributed to afflicted
neurons paramount to cell death, many neurological conditions have severely restricted
options for treatment. Significant progress has been seen in neurodegenerative disease
biomarkers. These biomarkers have been unfortunate, due to substantial disparities
amidst the tissues acclimated to source biomarkers and biomarkers of disease.
Neurodegeneration may be exacerbated by epigenetic changes that develop gradually.
Epigenetic biomarkers could aid in the diagnosis, and monitoring, of neurodegenerative
diseases.
Keywords: Diagnosis, Epigenetics, Neurodegenerative disorders, Treatment.