Neurodegenerationischaracterizedbytheprogressiveandpermanentlossofneurons.Degenerationtypicallyresultsinadebilitatinglossoffunctioninanotherwisehealthyperson.Neurodegenerativediseaseshaveenormousdirecthealthcarecosts,withsomeestimatesfordiseases,suchasAlzheimer’sdiseaseexceeding$36,000