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Neurodegenerative disease (Greek νέυρο-, néuro-, "nerval" and Latin dēgenerāre, "to decline" or "to worsen") is a condition in which cells of the brain and spinal cord are lost. The brain and spinal cord are composed of neurons that perform different functions such as controlling movements, processing sensory information, and making decisions. Cells of the brain and spinal cord do not readily regenerate en masse, so excessive damage can be devastating. Neurodegenerative diseases result from deterioration of neurons or their myelin sheaths, which may eventually lead to CNS-related dysfunction.[1] Some sources limit the term "degenerative" to conditions primarily affecting gray matter that are not associated with an obvious inciting event. [2]
[edit] ClassificationNeurodegenerative diseases are crudely divided into two groups according to phenotypic effects, although these are not mutually exclusive:
[edit] PathophysiologyNeurodegeneration is often caused by misfolding of proteins (prions) in such way that they can no longer perform their cellular functions and instead trigger equivalent modifications in normal proteins, thus creating a cascade of damage that eventually results in significant neuronal death. In humans, this can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or variant CJD (Mad Cow Disease). Normally, neurodegeneration begins long before the patient experiences any symptoms. It can be months or years before any effect is felt[citation needed]. Symptoms are noticed when many cells die or cease to function. Additionally, the role of microglia in modulating neuroinflammation in CNS-related degeneration is currently being studied.[3][4][5][6] [edit] TreatmentInitial treatment for neurodegenerative disorders is dependent on diagnosis of the underlying condition. Presently, few therapies are available for the treatment of most neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment with L-dopa can inhibit symptoms of Parkinson's Disease for a short time, but is thought to subsequently accelerate the progression of symptoms[citation needed]. Efforts are being made to develop therapies for Alzheimer's Disease in order to stabilize cognitive function. [edit] EpidemiologyEach specific kind of neurodegenerative disease has its own characteristics, but most affect middle-aged or older people. They usually worsen over time. [edit] Research directionsStem cell technology and stem cell treatments, as well as Gene therapy are gaining increasing attention for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Research is underway into biomarkers as part of an attempt to understand the progression of certain types of neurodegenerative disease. In theory, if relevant bio-markers were identified, people could be treated for such diseases prior to onset of symptoms, thus resulting in a significant extension of their normal functional lifespan. As yet, however, the science of bio-markers is in its infancy and consequently diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease tends to occur after the patient has already suffered the majority of the neural damages. [edit] List of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions
[edit] See also[edit] References
[edit] External links
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