• +447723493307
  • info-ucg@utilitarianconferences.com
Login
WhatsApp

Track 15: Neurodegenerative disease and Neurodegeneration

Track 15: Neurodegenerative disease and Neurodegeneration

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).