The McGovern Institute claims, “Brain disorders are among the most serious health problems facing modern society” (“Neurodegenerative Diseases and Brain Injury”). The term neurodegenerative refers to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells (Mandal). Due to the aging population, the demand for a definitive cure is on the rise. To date, a cure for this condition has not been discovered. However, research has revealed preventative measures that decrease a person’s susceptibility to the disease. Various treatments are available such as medications; unfortunately, prolonged therapies are far less successful (“Alzheimer's: Drugs Help Manage Symptoms”). Effective treatments are required to induce functional …show more content…
recovery of cells damaged during the progression of this condition and, improve patients overall quality of life.
Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized as a type of dementia.
Dementia is described as the loss of cognitive functioning which results primarily in memory and behavioral problems (“Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment”). A patient’s social abilities may be compromised, resulting in a generalized feeling of loneliness (“Dementia”). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. One in ten people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's, and after 85 years of age a person’s risk is doubled (“Background: Neurodegenerative Diseases”). Parkinson’s is another common neurodegenerative disease, the common symptoms are tremor and muscle stiffness (“Parkinson’s Background”). Sporadic muscle movements are another significant symptom affecting patients (“Frontotemporal Dementia Treatment”). The impact neurodegenerative diseases have on humans interferes with daily …show more content…
life.
Environmental factors increase the chances of developing a degenerative disease. An expanding amount of risks are to blame. The components include nutrition, exposure to infectious materials, physical activity, and social activities (Valenti, Rohner, and Schettler 3). The risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are reduced by altering these factors.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer are a risk associated degenerative brain diseases. The “Western Disease Cluster” consists of a few chronic diseases. As the name suggests, it is common among western cultures (“Huffington Post”). The probability a medical condition such as dementia may affect a person will double when linked with the Western Disease Cluster (“Huffington Post”).
Recently, researchers have been focused on the initial symptoms and warning signs connected to forms of neurodegeneration (Robertson). Improved research methods have allowed scientists understanding of neurodegenerative diseases to evolve. Opinions on neurodegenerative diseases pathology still differ, even with adequate resources (“Brain Disorders: By the Numbers”). Being aware of the signs associated with these conditions improves patients chances of an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis is critical to receive the desired effects treatments are meant to provide. Aging is an obvious cause of brain shrinkage, and because many effects of aging are reversible; atrophy is likely preventable. Brain atrophy is a major cause of premature death (Volk). Atrophy of specific brain regions is connected to cognitive, behavioral, and mental health problems (Volk).
Proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding toxicants are measures that decrease a person’s risk of obtaining a debilitating disease. When it comes to general health, good nutritional habits can positively influence a great deal of bodily functions. In addition to healthy eating, exercise improves mental and physical well-being. Chemicals are a fundamental trait affecting a person’s chances of becoming ill. Exposure to certain pesticides and metals has a negative effect on the body.
For patients suffering from types of neurodegeneration, treatments exist. Scientists are exploring the use of stem cells to replace decaying cells. Although the idea of this particular treatment appears simple, stem cell research is a very controversial topic (Hug). This method of treatment would alleviate if not completely halt suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Embryonic stem cells come from an embryo. 10-20 of the cells within an embryo during early development are pluripotent, which means they create every cell in the body (“EuroStemCell”). Countries regulate stem cell usage differently. This is likely because the use of these cells requires termination of a pregnancy (Hug). A few researchers suggest, “Since their discovery, stem cells have altered the perception of the human body and revolutionized medical research” (Dantuma, Merchant, and Sugaya 2).
Medications are often prescribed to patients suffering from this condition.
One treatment route suggests, “Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs (AIDs) may prevent or slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases” (“Laboratory of Neuroscience”). Cholinesterase inhibitors and Memantine are medications approved for treating Alzheimer’s. Different dosages are available based on the stage of the disease, and the type of medication. The stages include mild, moderate, and severe (“Alzheimer’s: Drugs May Help Manage Symptoms”). Along with medications, the addition of vitamins and other natural remedies are believed to slow down degeneration
(Volk).
Preventative measures can be taken before the onset of neurodegeneration. Important steps that improve health are physical activity, healthier diets, social activities, and minimizing exposure to dangerous chemicals. Taking these actions will improve a person’s health and reduce the risk of developing a concurrent disease within the Western Disease Cluster(“Huffington Post”). Patients can rely on medications to decrease symptoms although, most medications have unpleasant side effects. Medications do not always work. Patients are required to go through a trial and error period unsure of how they may be affected. Attempting to manage the side effects caused by a majority of these diseases should not be how patients spend the rest of their lives. The need for a distinctive cure is expanding, and will continue until researchers discover one. Regenerating lost cells should be a number one priority for scientists.