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Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's disease and many, many more. You may have heard of these names before. They are scientifically grouped into what is known as a neurodegenerative disease. Neurodegenerative diseases are diseases that cause problems in your central nervous system, typically when the cells stop working or die completely. ‘Degenerative’ means getting worse over time and this is exactly what happens to your neurons and cells part of the CNS. Due to no cure, these neurons and cells die out eventually. These types of diseases may be caused by multiple factors:
Alcoholism
Tumour
Stroke
Genetics
Other external factors such as toxins and chemicals
Internally in the brain
There are approximately 86 billion micrometre cells commonly known as the neuron. These neurons play a crucial role in not only the functioning of the brain, as well as of you as an individual. As a result, by damaging your neurons, neurodegenerative diseases can cause demyelination, meaning that the electric signal from one end to another will be very slow, causing many problems for speech or movement. And so, without the proper functioning of the neurons, it can eventually be life-threatening depending on how bad they've affected the brain.
Protein in the brain
One main or common cause of neuron damage is the protein build up in the brain. These proteins are called beta-amyloid and can be very toxic to the nerve cells which results in cognitive decline and cell death.
Effects of neurodegenerative diseases
There are many different types of neurodegenerative disease which come with different symptoms and effects on the body. For example, if someone has developed a ‘dementia’ type of disease this will affect your behaviour, cause confusion, memory loss and affect concentration. On the other hand, Parkinson's will affect the motor neurons which may cause paralysis, shaking, tremors and balance problems. Every brain is unique, so different people will experience different symptoms at different times.
Prevention and Cure
Although there is no cure for these dangerous diseases, there are still methods in treating them and reducing their symptoms on your body. With the work of medication and psychotherapy this can alleviate the symptoms.
The only way to prevent these unpredictable diseases is to stay healthy, eat a balanced diet, avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and stay physically active.
Yes these types of diseases are life-threatening and can cause much stress, however, life must not be put on hold for this. It might be very daunting knowing a loved one or even yourself has one of these types of disease, however they are preventable and although there is no cure, there is still opportunity to alleviate the symptoms.
Reference List
Cancer.gov. (2024). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/neurodegenerative-disorder [Accessed 15 Sep. 2024].
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Neurodegenerative Diseases: What They Are & Types. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24976-neurodegenerative-diseases [Accessed 15 Sep. 2024].
Kaizenbraincenter.com. (2024). About Neurodegenerative Disease | Kaizen Brain Center. [online] Available at: https://www.kaizenbraincenter.com/about-neurodegenerative-disease [Accessed 15 Sep. 2024].
Medlineplus.gov. (2021). Degenerative Nerve Diseases. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/degenerativenervediseases.html#:~:text=Degenerative%20nerve%20diseases%20affect%20many,toxins%2C%20chemicals%2C%20and%20viruses [Accessed 15 Sep. 2024].
Ohwovoriole, T. (2022). Neurodegenerative Diseases: Symptoms and Treatment. [online]
Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-neurodegenerative-diseases-5524683#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C%20there's%20currently%20no%20cure%20for%20neurodegenerative%20diseases.,one%20has%20been%20diagnosed%20with [Accessed 15 Sep. 2024].
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