They constitute a group of diseases that are characterized by a progressive alteration in the function of neurons, which leads to the occurrence of various manifestations resulting from the alteration of brain function, with the main changes in behavior , memory failure, disorientation and disorders psychological. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurons are vulnerable to various types of damage
Neurons are the main cells in the nervous system . They are responsible for processing all the information they receive from outside and inside, integrate and produce responses that manifest as movements, sensations, reflex behavior or more elaborate processes such as speech, emotions and learning.
These cells are very vulnerable to various types of damage, especially failures in oxygen supply and the toxic effects of free radicals. The different noxas affect its functioning, even leading to its destruction, which causes manifestations that depend on the group of neurons affected. Neurodegenerative Diseases
The main factors related to the development of a neurodegenerative disease are: sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, smoking and low social interaction . They also influence a person’s age and genetic factors.
There are different types of neurodegenerative diseases
Degenerative disorders are responsible for progressive damage to neurons, ultimately leading to death. This occurs in so-called neurodegenerative diseases, which include the following conditions:
vascular dementias
Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Motor neuron disease (multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Huntington’s Disease
ataxia
spinal muscular atrophy Neurodegenerative Diseases
Main manifestations associated with neuronal damage
The symptoms that accompany these disorders are variable, however the most common are:
Disorders of memory. One of the main symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders is forgetfulness. At first they are sporadic, but then they become more and more frequent until they disrupt everyday life.
Tremor. The impairment of motor control can cause manifestations such as tremor. Although it is the main manifestation of Parkinson’s disease, there are many other causes of this type of involuntary movement, such as lesions of the cerebellum or the posterior part of the spinal cord. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Involuntary movements. These are movements much larger than tremors, they consist of jolts and are characteristic of diseases called choreas, the main one being Huntington’s disease.
Balance disorders. The ability to maintain balance depends on the joint work of several areas of the brain, when one of them fails, you start having problems standing up or keeping in a certain position. The main nerve center related to balance and coordination is the cerebellum, however, this problem can also be found in lesions such as multiple sclerosis.
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders that deteriorate those who suffer over the years. These diseases can be prevented and slow their progression, but once installed there is no specific treatment to help repair it.
