Modeling neurological disease processes using process algebra

The sheer complexity of pathogenic neurological processes poses a barrier to understanding that impedes the discovery of more effective drugs or drug combinations for the treatment of neurological disorders. Going forward, the principle means of confronting neurological complexity will be computational modeling, and the effort should employ every available tool. Process algebra is a powerful tool developed in computer science for the purpose of analyzing complicated systems. Its recent appearance in computational neuroscience promises to bring new insights into neurological processes. It will be of particular value for in-silico screens of drugs and drug combinations, and will allow modelers not only to show that a particular treatment may be effective but also to reveal its potentially complex mechanism of action.