Neurodegenerative diseases are known to gradually destroy parts of the nervous system. These are chronic conditions that are incurable but treatable to manage symptoms and slow the progression.
Neurodegenerative disorders damage and destroy parts of the nervous system, especially the brain, over time. While these chronic conditions are permanent and incurable, many are treatable nowadays. If you want to know more about these disorders, then you can book an Apollo Hospital Chennai appointment and consult one of the best neurosurgeons in Chennai. Read ahead to better understand neurodegenerative disorders.
Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington disease, and vascular and frontotemporal (FTD) dementias, usually develop slowly. Their development begins 10-20 years prior to the clinical manifestation.
Though molecular mechanisms behind various neurodegenerative diseases are different, many processes like neurite retraction, dysfunction and destruction of synapses and ultimately neuronal death, are characteristic of neurodegeneration in general.
Types of Degenerative Brain Diseases
Here are some of the types of degenerative brain diseases:
- Dementia-type Diseases: They cause progressive damage to various areas of the brain, leading to the death of neurons. (Examples: Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and frontotemporal dementia)
- Demyelinating Diseases: They involve myelin damage that affects the sending and relaying of nerve signals. (Examples: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder)
- Motor Neuron Diseases: They happen when neurons controlling movement die off. (Examples: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive supranuclear palsy)
- Parkinsonism-type Diseases: They occur when damage is caused to specific neurons that help manage coordination and precise control of muscle movements. (Example: Parkinson’s disease)
- Prion Diseases: They are a type of protein misfolding disease causing brain damage in a relatively short time. (Example: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)
Symptoms of Neurodegenerative Diseases
It is to be noted that the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases can vary widely, even amongst people with the same condition because every person’s brain is unique, causes can be distinct, and/or the affected part of the brain or nervous system can be different.
Let’s delve deeper to know the symptoms displayed by different types of conditions:
- Dementia-type Diseases: Confusion, trouble thinking or concentrating, memory loss and behavioural changes
- Demyelinating Diseases: Tingling or numbness, muscle spasms, pain, weakness and paralysis, coordination issues and fatigue
- Parkinsonism-type Diseases: Slowed movements, balance problems, shaking and tremors, shuffling steps and hunched posture
- Motor Neuron Diseases: Lost muscle control, weakness and paralysis
Causes of Neurodegenerative Diseases
While some neurodegenerative diseases have a single cause, many cases show multiple factors contributing to the condition. Here are some possible causes and/or risk factors:
- Age: According to researchers, the older you get, the greater your chances of developing a neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, it is to be noted that some degenerative brain diseases can start earlier in life.
- Genetics: Specific gene mutations that can be inherited can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Environment: Exposure to pollution, chemicals and toxins, certain types of infections or the place where you live, can play a role. For instance, lower vitamin D levels, which are more common the farther you move from the equator, are associated with dementia-type diseases.
- Medical History: Some neurodegenerative conditions can either happen because of specific medical events or can get worse owing to them.
- Habits and Choices: These include eating habits, activity level, tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and more.
How to Diagnose Neurodegenerative Disorders?
The approach to diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases varies depending on the condition. For accurate diagnosis, a neurosurgeon can order the following tests:
- Simple neurological exam
- Blood tests and genetic testing
- Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and other imaging tests
- Histopathology (microscopic tissue analysis) after death
Management and Treatment Options
As neurodegenerative diseases destroy brain cells, which is impossible to reverse, they are incurable. But, some neurodegenerative diseases are treatable directly wherein it is possible to manage, limit or slow their effects. For the conditions that can’t be treated directly, it might be possible to improve the quality of life by treating symptoms.
Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are not preventable, but the following things can be done to lower the risk of developing one:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay physically active to maintain a healthy weight
- Wear safety equipment to prevent head injury
- Regularly visit primary care provider
By and large, neurodegenerative diseases are chronic conditions that cause varied symptoms. While some symptoms may have obvious connections to a degenerative brain disease, others might seem completely unconnected without specific medical testing.
If you have any further queries, then book an Apollo Hospital Chennai appointment for one of the best neurosurgeons in Chennai.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24976-neurodegenerative-diseases