This volume gives an in-depth overview of current knowledge and future research strategies concerning ischemic and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, as well as suggestions for treatment of these diseases. Problems of basic and clinical research in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, aging and stroke are addressed by clinicians and researchers in the field. Specifically, the putative role of oxidative stress, radicals - including nitric oxide, calcium, glutamate and other excitotoxins, growth factors, adenosine, acetylcholine, as well as the potential therapeutic effects of the MAO-B inhibitor 1- deprenyl, glutamate receptor antagonists and calcium channel blockers are covered.