What are degenerative diseases of the nervous system?
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a group of diseases that primarily affect the neurons of the brain. Neurons are basic elements of the nervous system, which is composed of the spinal cord and brain. These neurons, in general, neither replace nor reproduce themselves, so when they are damaged, the body cannot replace them.
These diseases cause problems in various activities that the body performs, such as movement, balance, breathing, speech or heart functions. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by being progressive and most of them are genetic in nature.
Some of the most prominent neurodegenerative diseases are:
- Amytrophic lateral sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Friedreich’s Ataxia
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuromuscular diseases
Prognosis of the disease
Most neurodegenerative diseases do not have a cure, although with proper treatment it is possible to improve symptoms, increase a person’s mobility or alleviate pain.
These diseases are serious and, depending on the pathology, can be life-threatening.
Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease.
Symptoms of degenerative diseases of the nervous system
In many cases it is difficult to detect the first symptoms, but as the structures and regions of the nervous system become damaged, we can see the manifestations of the disease. There is an enormous variety of symptoms, which will depend on the condition. Some of the most characteristic are:
- Movement control problems: resting tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness in the initiation and execution of movement, altered postural reflexes and balance or gait paralysis.
- Cognitive mental problems (dementia): memory impairment up to amnesia, deficits in thinking and judgment, disorientation, deficits in intellectual capacity, language deficits, etc.
- Other secondary symptoms: insomnia, communication disorders, eating disorders, urinary problems, swallowing difficulties, depression, anguish, among others.
Medical tests for degenerative diseases of the nervous system
The diagnostic process is not simple and is often lengthy, as the symptoms are difficult to analyze in the early stages of the disease. In addition, there are several common symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases, which further complicate their diagnosis.
In many cases they are hereditary, so doctors make an assessment of the patient’s medical history. From there, other complementary tests are performed, such as a blood test or an MRI, to rule out alterations due to other pathologies (infections, tumors, etc.).
What are the causes of degenerative diseases of the nervous system?
The causes of these diseases can be very varied, and there are multiple factors that can influence their appearance. The origin will depend on the neurodegenerative disease in question. In spite of this, in many cases the specific causes of these pathologies are unknown.
Some of the reasons that may be the cause of the diseases are:
- Alcoholism
- Tumor
- Cerebrovascular attack (CVA)
- Trauma
- Toxins
- Chemicals
- Viruses
Finally, it should be noted that in many cases genetics plays an important role, as well as environmental factors and aging.
Can it be prevented?
Degenerative diseases of the nervous system cannot be prevented, but there are different tips that can be followed to reduce the risk of suffering from any of the pathologies.
- Diet: excessive consumption of saturated fats increases oxidative stress, causing irreparable damage to neurons.
- Exercise: not having a sedentary life improves neuronal synaptic functions which improves memory and anxiety.
- Sleep: adequate quality and quantity of sleep prevents damage to the brain, leading to the onset of brain, neurological and psychological diseases.
- Mental or social activities help prevention. If we do not keep our brain in shape, it atrophies.
Treatment of degenerative diseases of the nervous system
Today, the vast majority of these diseases do not have a cure. However, there are treatments aimed at slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, relieving pain, improving symptoms and extending the patient’s autonomy and functionality. Depending on each particular case, different medical-surgical procedures that alleviate symptoms or medications that prolong the functionality of the affected person can be used.
First of all, it should be noted that the diagnosis of this type of disease is a hard blow for patients. Its diagnosis can lead to the onset of depression or anxiety and psychotherapy may be necessary.
Psychoeducation is important, both for the patient and for the environment, to learn about the treatment of the disease and the consequences. This reduces the level of uncertainty, facilitating coping mechanisms and strategies.
In the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychological rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy are frequently used. They are all part of a multidisciplinary strategy to prolong and improve the patient’s quality of life, as well as his or her condition and autonomy.
The patient may also need external aids for daily living, such as pictograms, diaries, visual aids or mobility aids.
Which specialist treats him?
Degenerative diseases of the nervous system should be treated by a multidisciplinary team that may include specialists in Neurology, Physiotherapy, Neurophysiology, Psychology or Psychiatry.