Neurodegenerative Conditions

Neurodegenerative conditions encompass a wide variety of disorders that involve the progressive loss of the structure or function of neurons. These conditions may be primarily hereditary, as in certain forms of ataxia, or caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including head trauma and autoimmune disorders. Common neurodegenerative conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorder, with symptoms including memory impairments, difficulty in recognizing familiar objects or people, and impaired executive functioning (planning, problem-solving, reasoning). Although the exact causes of the disease have yet to be fully elucidated, genetic factors, particularly those in the amyloid precursor protein gene have been associated with an increased risk for AD. Environmental factors such as vascular inflammation, head trauma, and exposure to toxins may also produce contributions to the disease process. Parkinson’s disease is marked by motor symptoms including tremor at rest, slowed movement, and muscle rigidity. In addition, some patients may experience a progressive cognitive decline leading to dementia. The etiology of PD is multifactorial, with both environmental and genetic factors thought to cause the onset of the disease. Mutations in genes that encode for α-synuclein, DJ-1, parkin, and PINK1have been associated with familial PD. ALS is a progressive disease that affects both motor neurons and spinal cord neurons. Patients typically experience difficulty in movement and speaking, as well as cramping, twitching, and difficulty in swallowing. It is a fatal disorder but can be somewhat managed by physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The cause of ALS is still uncertain; however, evidence suggests a genetic component, particularly in familial cases. Huntington’s disease is a heritable neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. Symptoms include personality changes, impaired cognition, cognitive decline, impaired movement, and choreic movements. As with many neurodegenerative conditions, there is no known cure for HD; however, medications may be used to help manage symptoms. In summary, neurodegenerative conditions refer to a wide range of disorders that involve the progressive loss of the structure and/or function of neurons. Common neurodegenerative conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Huntington’s disease.