Over the last few years, the considerable progress made in biochemistry, virology, molecular biology and genetics has revealed some of the intimate mechanisms of the neurodegenerative diseases. The present volume is an attempt to review the latest data in the field to illuminate new avenues for future research. This volume gathers together chapters and discussions on the etiology and pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative diseases. Apoptosis of programmed cell death as well as other genetic implications are discussed; special attention is given to the coexistence and interconnection of genetic and environmental factors. There is extensive coverage of prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Cruetzfeld-Jacob disease and kuru. The various aspects of non-conventional transmissible agents are thoroughly reviewed. Further contributions deal with the role of growth factors as well as of free radicals. Consideration is given to the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, in particular the role of tau protein. Finally, several pharmacological models now available, which throw light upon aspects of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea and multiple sclerosis, are examined and discussed. It is hoped that recent scientific advances will lead to the discovery of new drugs to fill the current therapeutic void. There are hopes of an early indication of this in the case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.