Introduction to Neurodegenerative Disease
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are conditions commonly characterized by significant physiological degeneration present in the brain and nervous systems. Despite persistent efforts from scientists and physicians for decades around the world, a definite solution for these disorders has yet to be discovered. Over 600 neurodegenerative diseases have been recorded, of those the most common conditions include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and prion disease. Millions of people in the United States have a neurodegenerative disease. (Chadwick) Research for neurodegenerative diseases has most notably occurred within the past 50 years, with the first diagnoses of various conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease occurring in the late 19th century to early 20th century. (Goetz) With the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, and the rise of complex technology furthering various treatments, education on NDs is exceptionally important.
The Reality for an Estimated Million Americans: Parkinson’s Disease
One of the most common neurodegenerative diseases is Parkinson’s disease (PD). Some experts estimate that over 1 million Americans have PD. (“Parkinson's Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Promise | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke”) Parkinson’s disease is defined as a chronic progressive disorder that attacks the nervous system and various parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Parkinson’s is generally referred to as a slow, gradual disease that starts with minimal symptoms and over time becomes more intense. The first symptoms of PD are most commonly tremors and bradykinesia (stiffness, slowness in movement). Parkinson’s initially starts in the substantia nigra (SN), which is located in the midbrain and is dopaminergic (related to dopamine). The substantia nigra is responsible for motor movement. In a patient with Parkinson’s, the nerve cells contained in the substantia nigra become impaired or even die off, inhibiting the SN to release dopamine. In many patients, over time this is reflected by difficulty swallowing, walking, talking, and balancing.
Taking a Magnifying Glass to the Brain Behind Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases span from Alzheimer's to prion disease, to ataxia. In each condition, the neurochemical and structural changes vary. Some mechanics, however, are accepted as general occurrences in neurodegenerative diseases. NDs are distinguished by “progressive dysfunction of specific populations of neurons, determining clinical presentation.” (Jellinger) Neuronal loss, chemical deficiencies, and imbalances are commonly present in neurodegenerative disorders as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal protein dynamics, and impaired bioenergetics that all lead to a slow, gradual, programmed cell death.
Is Full Recovery Possible?
Full recovery or a “cure” for neurodegenerative diseases is not possible despite extensive efforts. Certain treatments do exist however, and can help relieve the symptoms associated with various NDs. The most common treatments include a combination of therapy and medication. Medications typically include dopamine promoters and cognition-enhancing medication that aim to improve memory and mental alertness. Surgical approaches to neurodegenerative disorders have become increasingly common in recent years. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure that uses implanted electrodes (thin metal wires) to deliver electrical stimulation to various parts of the brain in hopes of controlling significant motor symptoms. DBS is most commonly used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Though there are no cures for neurodegenerative diseases, studies show that patients with NDs can live for many years after their diagnosis.
Written by: Mackinzie Basinger
Works Cited
Chadwick, Dara. “Cracking the Code.” American Physiological Society, American Physiological Society, May 2023, https://www.physiology.org/publications/news/the-physiologist-magazine/2023/may/cracking-the-code?SSO=Y. Accessed 24 April 2024.
Goetz, Christopher G. “The History of Parkinson's Disease: Early Clinical Descriptions and Neurological Therapies.” NCBI, 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3234454/. Accessed 24 April 2024.
Jellinger, Kurt A. “Basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration: a critical update.” NCBI, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3823450/. Accessed 24 April 2024.
“Parkinson's Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Promise | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 30 January 2023, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/current-research/focus-disorders/parkinsons-disease-research/parkinsons-disease-challenges-progress-and-promise. Accessed 24 April 2024.
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