Programmed cell death (PCD) is a regulated form of cell death distinct from accidental cell death (ACD), playing a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and development. PCD includes various modalities such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, each with distinct signaling pathways and mechanisms. Abnormalities in PCD signaling contribute to neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), leading to neuronal cell death and disease progression. This review summarizes the molecular processes and features of different PCD modalities, their roles in NDDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting PCD pathways. Key factors involved in these pathways are examined, and the potential for developing therapeutic targets is explored. Understanding PCD mechanisms provides insights into the pathogenesis of NDDs and offers promising approaches for clinical treatment.Programmed cell death (PCD) is a regulated form of cell death distinct from accidental cell death (ACD), playing a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and development. PCD includes various modalities such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, each with distinct signaling pathways and mechanisms. Abnormalities in PCD signaling contribute to neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), leading to neuronal cell death and disease progression. This review summarizes the molecular processes and features of different PCD modalities, their roles in NDDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting PCD pathways. Key factors involved in these pathways are examined, and the potential for developing therapeutic targets is explored. Understanding PCD mechanisms provides insights into the pathogenesis of NDDs and offers promising approaches for clinical treatment.