Degenerative Disease Of The Brain Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Degenerative Disease Of The Brain?

Degenerative diseases of the brain are a category of neurological disorders that cause progressive damage to the structure and function of nerve cells in the brain. These conditions are characterized by a gradual but irreversible decline in cognitive, motor and/or behavioral abilities. Common degenerative diseases affecting the brain include Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.The symptoms associated with these conditions vary depending on which areas of the brain have been affected by cell death or dysfunction. Generally, those affected by these diseases experience a progressive decline in their ability to remember recent events or conversations, recognize familiar people or objects and make decisions. They can also have difficulty with basic physical activities like walking or speaking clearly. As degenerative diseases progress over time, individuals may become increasingly dependent on caregivers for daily activities such as bathing, eating and dressing.Unfortunately, there is no known cure for any type of degenerative disease of the brain at this time; however there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and slow their progression. For example, medications may be prescribed to reduce agitation levels in Alzheimer’s patients or improve movement problems in those with Parkinson’s disease. In some cases surgery may be used to reduce certain types of tremors associated with these illnesses as well as deep-brain stimulation to help improve limb movement control for those suffering from severe Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Additionally lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise can help reduce some symptoms associated with degenerative brain disorders like impaired balance and memory loss when combined with proper medical care. Degenerative diseases affecting the brain are unfortunately incurable but fortunately research is ongoing into possible treatments that could provide relief from its devastating effects on quality of life for many individuals living with these conditions today and into the future.