Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons, up to their death. It underlies Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other conditions.
What it is
In neurodegeneration, nerve cells in particular brain regions gradually lose their connections and function and die. Each disease has a selective vulnerability of certain neurons and its own affected region — for example the hippocampus in Alzheimer’s disease. The process is irreversible, which is why early prevention matters.
Mechanisms
A common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases is the misfolding and accumulation of proteins: amyloid, tau, alpha-synuclein. With age the protein quality-control system and autophagy weaken, and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are added. All of this amplifies cell damage.
The link to aging
Age is the main risk factor for neurodegeneration. The accumulation of protein aggregates is part of aging itself: over the years the activity of the cell’s clean-up systems (proteostasis) declines. Many mechanisms overlap with the general hallmarks of aging, including cellular senescence.
Can it be slowed
There is as yet no radical treatment that stops neurodegeneration. But reducing vascular factors, regular physical activity (through BDNF), sleep, mental activity, and control of blood pressure and blood sugar help to delay or soften cognitive decline.
Calculate using this marker
Calculators where Neurodegeneration is used directly:
Frequently asked questions
How is neurodegeneration different from ordinary brain aging?
In healthy aging cognitive functions change gently and do not interfere with life. Neurodegeneration is a pathological, progressive death of neurons in specific regions, leading to dementia and other diseases.
Can neurodegeneration be stopped?
It cannot yet be stopped completely. But modifying risk factors, physical and mental activity, and control of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can slow progression and delay symptoms.
Related terms
Sources
- Protein Aggregation — Neurodegeneration (NCBI Bookshelf)
- Intraneuronal protein aggregation, inflammation and neurodegeneration in the aging brain (PMC)
- Aging and neurodegeneration: molecular mechanisms (PubMed)