Neurodegenerative diseases have been known to destroy the portions of the nervous system slowly. They are incurable chronic conditions that can be treated to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the progression.
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive diseases that damage and destroy components of the nervous system, primarily the brain. Although the chronic conditions are incurable and permanent, a good number of them are treatable today. In case you wish to learn more about these disorders then you can make an Apollo Hospital Chennai appointment and meet one of the best neurosurgeons in Chennai. Read on to know more about neurodegenerative disorders.
Neurodegenerative Diseases explained.
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), Huntington disease, and vascular and frontotemporal (FTD) dementias tend to progress gradually. They start developing 10-20 years before the clinical manifestation.
Molecular mechanisms of different neurodegenerative diseases vary, but such processes as neurite retraction, synapse dysfunction and destruction and finally neuronal death are common to neurodegeneration in general.
Degenerative Brain Diseases types
The following are some of the forms of degenerative brain diseases:
- Dementia-type Diseases: They lead to progressive degeneration of diverse parts of the brain and the death of neurons. (Includes: Alzheimer -s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and frontotemporal dementia)
- Demyelinating Diseases: These are diseases that entail the destruction of myelin affecting the transmission and transfer of nerve impulses. >(Examples: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis (MS))
- Motor Neuron Diseases: They occur in the event of the death of neurons that regulate movement. ((Examples) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive supranuclear palsy)
- Parkinsonism-type Diseases: They are seen when there is some damage to certain neurons which are involved in the process of maintaining coordination and fine control of muscle activities. (Ex: Parkinson disease)
- Prion Diseases: These are the form of protein misfolding disease that results in brain damage within a comparatively short period. ([Example: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease])
Neurodegenerative Diseases Symptoms
It is to be mentioned that the symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders may drastically differ, even in individuals with the same disorder since each brain is unique, the causes may differ, and/or the part of the brain or the nervous system affected may be different.
Once more, to find out the symptoms exhibited by various kinds of conditions, let us dig a little deeper:
- Dementia-type Diseases: Confusion, difficulties in thinking or concentrating, memory loss and behavioural change
- Demyelinating Diseases: Tingling or numbness, muscle spasms, pain, weakness and paralysis, coordination problems and fatigue
- Parkinsonism-type Diseases: Troubled movements, balance difficulties, shaking and tremors, shuffling gait and stooped posture
- Lost muscle control, weakness and paralysis Moter Neuron Diseases.
Neurodegenerative Diseases Causes
Although there are neurodegenerative diseases which are singly caused, there are numerous instances where the condition has been found to be contributed by more than one factor. The following are possible causes and/or risk factors:
- Age: With every increase in age, researchers say you are more prone to develop a neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, it needs to be mentioned that there are degenerative brain diseases that may begin at an earlier age.
- Genetics: Certain mutations in specific genes which might be inherited, may cause risks of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Environment: The pollution, chemicals and toxins, some kinds of infections or the place of your residence can be a factor. As an example, dementia-type diseases are linked to lower levels of vitamin D, which become more prevalent the further you travel away form the equator.
- Medical History: Certain neurodegenerative disorders may either occur due to the occurrence of certain medical events or may progress due to the latter.
- Habits and Choices: These are eating habits, level of activity, use of tobacco, consumption of alcohol among others.
Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Disorders?
The diagnostic process of neurodegenerative diseases deviates according to the disease. To get proper diagnosis a neurosurgeon may request the following tests:
- Basic neurological examination
- Genetic testing and blood tests
- Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and others
- post-mortem histopathology (microscopic tissue analysis)
Management and Treatment Options
Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable because brain cells are destroyed by the diseases, which cannot be reversed. However there are those neurodegenerative diseases that can be treated directly in the sense that their effects can be controlled, restricted or reduced. In case of the conditions, which cannot be treated directly, one may be able to ameliorate the quality of life by treating symptoms.
Preventive Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases cannot be prevented, yet the following can be undertaken to reduce the chances of getting one:
- Have a proper balanced diet
- Exercise to have a healthy weight
- Use safety gears to avoid head injury
- visit primary care provider regularly
Neurodegenerative diseases are by and large chronic conditions, which bring about different symptoms. Although certain symptoms could easily be associated with a degenerative brain disease, others could appear to be totally unrelated unless seen through certain medical tests.
And in case of any other questions, you can always make an appointment with Apollo Hospital Chennai, one of the best neurosurgeons in Chennai.