Yoga as a therapeutic intervention for the management of neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders are conditions of disorganization, progressive damage, loss of function, and, ultimately, death of neurons and neuronal networks, which lead to the pathological state of the nervous system. By controlling thoughts, actions, and movements, the brain, and peripheral nervous system form a command center of the body and control the communication of body organs/cells/tissue with each other. Every aspect of how the body responds to each stimulus is affected by the nervous system. It is, therefore, important to maintain good health of the nervous system in order to maintain the health of the rest of the body's systems. Unlike other cells of the body, nerve cells cannot regenerate themselves, so neurodegenerative disorders are more prevalent with meager treatment options. Several factors contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, including cellular stress, genetics, and bad lifestyle choices. Very few medications are available for treatment of these disorders therefore early lifestyle modification can prevent the development of such disorders and if already developed these can be prevented from worsening. Yoga is one lifestyle modification which can be adapted in early life for healthy lifestyle along with good diet. Thus, occurrence of these uncurable diseases can be prevented or delayed by lifestyle modifications and in case of patients progression may be decelerated and quality of life can be improved.