[Aspects of nutrition for prevention and treatment of chronic neurological diseases].

Chronic neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, such as idiopathic Parkinson's syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, represent a therapeutic challenge. Their pathophysiology is not well understood and a cure for any of these diseases is not possible. Over the past decades lifestyle and nutritional habits in modern industrial nations have changed and evidence is increasing that the prevalence of chronic diseases as well their clinical presentation are also changing. Epidemiological investigations indicate that nutritional components might have an impact on the pathogenesis of chronic neurological diseases. A profound understanding of these correlations could foster a better prevention as well as treatment of such chronic disabling diseases. This continuing medical education article summarizes the current understanding of selected nutritional components and their effect on the development and clinical course of chronic neurological disorders.