Potential roles of branched-chain amino acids in neurodegeneration

•Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can induce excitotoxicity, hyperexcitability, inflammation, and oxidative stress and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.•BCAA consumption can influence neurotransmitter levels in the central nervous system and may result in dysregulation of neurotrophic factors.•BCAAs and BCAA metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.•Deciphering the potential roles of BCAAs in neurodegeneration may allow for identifying new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.