
Sub Topics: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience,...
Sub Tracks Clinical Neurology, Neurodegenerative...
SUB TOPIC;Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease,
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),Huntington’s Disease, Multiple System
Atrophy (MSA),Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Prion Diseases (e.g.,
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease)
Neurodegenerative
Disease and Neurodegeneration
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the
progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous
system (CNS). These diseases often involve the gradual loss of neurons in
specific regions of the brain or spinal cord, leading to a decline in
cognitive, motor, and other neurological functions.
Neurodegeneration refers to the pathological
process in which neurons deteriorate and die over time. It is a common feature
of several chronic, progressive diseases, and it may occur due to a variety of
causes, including genetic mutations, environmental factors, or a combination of
both. This deterioration can impair the ability of the brain to process
information and perform basic functions.
Types of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Here are some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease
Overview: The most common form of dementia, characterized by
progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.
Pathology: It is marked by the accumulation of amyloid
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles made of tau proteins in the brain. These
pathological changes disrupt neuronal communication and lead to neuronal death,
particularly in the hippocampus and cortex.
Symptoms: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with speech,
impaired judgment, and changes in personality.
2. Parkinson’s Disease
Overview: A movement disorder that primarily affects motor
function, causing tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
Pathology: Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the
substantia nigra, a region of the brain responsible for controlling movement.
The hallmark of Parkinson's disease is the formation of Lewy bodies, abnormal
protein aggregates primarily composed of alpha-synuclein.
Symptoms: Tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, balance
problems, and eventually cognitive decline.
3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Overview: Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a
progressive disease that affects the motor neurons responsible for controlling
voluntary muscles.
Pathology: Degeneration of both upper motor neurons (in the
brain) and lower motor neurons (in the spinal cord). This leads to muscle
weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis.
Symptoms: Difficulty with speaking, swallowing, and
breathing, muscle weakness, cramping, and loss of motor control.
4. Huntington’s Disease
Overview: A genetic disorder that causes the progressive
breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
Pathology: Huntington's disease is caused by mutations in
the HTT gene that result in the production of a toxic protein that damages
neurons in the basal ganglia and cortex, leading to motor and cognitive
dysfunction.
Symptoms: Uncontrolled movements (chorea), cognitive
decline, mood disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms.
5. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
Overview: A rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder
that affects multiple areas of the brain and autonomic nervous system.
Pathology: MSA is characterized by the accumulation of
alpha-synuclein protein in the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. It leads
to neurodegeneration affecting motor control, autonomic functions, and
coordination.
Symptoms: Difficulty with movement, balance problems, speech
and swallowing difficulties, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g., blood pressure
regulation problems).
6. Frontotemporal Dementia
Overview: A group of disorders caused by progressive damage
to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in
personality, behavior, and language.
Pathology: In FTD, the degeneration primarily affects the
frontal cortex and temporal lobes, with the presence of tau protein or TDP-43
protein inclusions in affected areas.
Symptoms: Personality changes, social withdrawal, impulsive
behavior, difficulty with speech, and memory loss.
7. Prion Diseases
Overview: A group of rare, fatal neurodegenerative diseases
caused by prions, misfolded proteins that induce other proteins to misfold.
Pathology: The accumulation of prions leads to the formation
of sponge-like holes in the brain tissue, causing neuronal death.
Symptoms: Rapid cognitive decline, motor dysfunction,
ataxia, and sometimes myoclonus (muscle jerks).