Are your memory and thinking changing? Let's learn about neurodegenerative diseases.

Have you ever thought that the tiny cells in our brain, called neurons, can gradually weaken, changing our memory, the way we think, the way we walk, and the way we speak? Sometimes we have seen this happen to our elderly people. That is what we call a group of conditions called Neurodegenerative Diseases . Although this may sound like a heavy word, let's talk about it simply and kindly.

What are these neurodegenerative diseases?

Simply put, these are a group of diseases that gradually damage and destroy the cells in our nervous system, especially in the brain . Think of it this way: just as wood rots over time, these diseases gradually destroy the cells in our brain. These diseases usually don't come on suddenly, they develop very slowly . Therefore, it takes a long time for symptoms to appear, sometimes even later in life.

This is not a single disease. Like many things under one umbrella, there are several types of diseases under this name.

What are the main types of these diseases?

Let's look at some of the main types of these neurodegenerative diseases. But these are not the only ones, there are many more.

Dementia-type diseases

These cause gradual damage to various parts of the brain, and the neurons in those areas die. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the area of ​​the brain that is damaged.

For example: Alzheimer's disease , frontotemporal dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Lewy body dementia belong to this category.

Demyelinating Diseases

Our nerve cells are surrounded by a protective sheath called myelin . It's like the plastic covering around a wire. This sheath is what allows nerve messages to travel smoothly. These diseases damage that myelin sheath.

Examples: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD).

Parkinsonism-type diseases

These are caused by damage to special neurons in our brain, especially those that coordinate and finely control muscle movements .

Examples: Parkinson's disease and other Parkinsonism conditions that show symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Motor Neuron Diseases

These develop when the neurons that control our movements die .

Examples: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (also called "Lou Gehrig's disease"), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

Prion Diseases

These are very special. These diseases, which are caused by the misfolding of a protein, cause severe brain damage in a very short period of time . Most of the time, these patients don't live more than a year.

Example: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the most common type. Sometimes these can also be caused by genetic factors.

The important thing is that there may be some common features and connections between these different neurodegenerative diseases. Some diseases may have similar symptoms and similar causes.

How common are these diseases really?

Although neurodegenerative diseases are not very common, researchers have found that more than 50 million people worldwide have these conditions. That means it's common for one of us to hear about them.

These diseases are often closely related to aging . They are most common in people over 65 years of age. However, some diseases, such as Huntington's disease and ALS, can occur at a younger age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the population over 65 years of age is expected to double in the next 30 years. This means that the number of people with these neurodegenerative diseases is likely to increase at the same rate.

What are the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases?

The symptoms of these diseases are very diverse . Some symptoms may immediately make you think that this is a brain disease. However, some symptoms can be so different that they cannot be recognized without a special medical examination.

Typically, symptoms like these can be seen depending on the type of disease:

• Dementia-type diseases: confusion, memory loss, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and behavioral changes.
• Diseases that damage myelin: numbness, pain, muscle twitching, loss of balance or paralysis, difficulty walking, and fatigue.
• Parkinsonism-type diseases: slow movements, tremors in the limbs, balance problems, dragging the feet on the ground when walking, leaning forward.
• Motor Neuron Diseases: These affect the parts of the brain and nervous system that control muscles. As the neurons in those parts die, muscle control is lost. This can lead to weakness and eventually paralysis .

Why do these symptoms vary so much?

There are several reasons why symptoms can vary from person to person, even with the same disease:

• Not everyone's brain is the same:No two brains are created or function the same, so even the same disease can affect two people differently.
• There are many reasons why these diseases develop: Even if it is the same type of disease, the causes that affect it are very different.
• Symptoms depend on the area affected: Symptoms depend on the part of your brain or nervous system that is damaged.

What are the causes of these diseases?

Doctors can find a single cause for some neurodegenerative diseases. But in many cases, there is no single cause . Research has shown that several factors come together to cause these diseases. Sometimes doctors may not be able to find a cause at all. This is truly heartbreaking for the patient and their family.

To date, experts have identified many possible causes and risk factors for these diseases. They can be divided into several main categories:

• Age: The main factor affecting the development of these diseases is aging . The risk of developing this disease increases with age. Although some diseases can start at a younger age, it is somewhat rare.
• Genetics: Many neurodegenerative diseases are linked to family history. This means that some genetic mutations can be passed down through generations. New genetic mutations can arise, or a combination of genes can be affected.
• Environment: The environment you live in can also have a big impact on these diseases. Things like air pollution, exposure to chemicals and toxins, certain types of infections, and the region you live in (for example, vitamin D levels decrease as you move closer to the equator, which has been linked to dementia-type diseases).
• Medical history: Your previous illnesses and health events can affect the development of these diseases. Examples include cancer, certain infections, and head injuries.
• Habits, routines, and choices: Many things affect this, including what you eat and drink, how active you are, whether you use tobacco products, and how much alcohol you consume.

What complications can occur due to these diseases?

Because these diseases damage the brain and nervous system, the chances of complications are high. As the damage increases, the abilities controlled by those damaged parts are lost.

• Movement disorders: Decreased strength, flexibility, agility, and reaction time, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
• Motor neuron disorders: Progressive paralysis. If this affects the breathing muscles, the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as pneumonia increases.
• Dementia-type diseases:Memory, decision-making, and thinking skills deteriorate. As these deteriorate, they become unable to think about their own safety and become unable to live alone.

How are these diseases diagnosed? (Diagnosis)

The way to diagnose a neurodegenerative disease varies depending on the disease. Doctors usually start by performing a neurological exam and asking you or your family about your symptoms and medical history.

Some diseases can be diagnosed with special tests:

• Laboratory testing: Some diseases can be diagnosed through things like blood tests and genetic testing.
• Imaging scans: Tests like CT scans and MRI scans are very important in diagnosing these diseases. These allow doctors to "see" your brain. They can then determine if there is brain damage, changes, or another cause.
• Histopathology after death: Some diseases, such as Pick's disease or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), cannot be definitively diagnosed while a person is alive. Although doctors may suspect it, it can only be confirmed by examining brain tissue under a microscope after an autopsy .

Depending on your condition or symptoms, other tests may be done. Your doctor is the best person to tell you which tests are right for you and why they are being done.

Is there a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases? Can they be cured?

Unfortunately, not all of these neurodegenerative diseases are curable . These diseases destroy brain cells and cannot be reversed.

However, some neurodegenerative diseases can be treated , depending on the cause of the disease. Some diseases can be treated directly to control, limit, or slow the effects of the disease. While some other diseases cannot be treated directly, treating the symptoms can help improve the quality of life .

Because there are so many different treatments, your doctor is the best person to tell you what treatments are available and what they recommend. The information they provide is the most accurate and relevant to your condition and medical history. They will also tell you about side effects, complications, and things to be aware of.

What if I have this kind of disease?

Because there are so many types of neurodegenerative diseases, what will happen to you depends on many factors. Some diseases get worse at different rates; some can take years or even decades to become serious. Others can get worse quickly. So, your doctor is the best person to tell you what to expect.

The longer you have a neurodegenerative disease, the more likely you are to develop complications. Sadly, these conditions can reduce your quality of life and ultimately lead to death (or contribute to something else that causes death).

How long do these diseases last?

Once these diseases develop, they are permanent, lifelong conditions .

Is there a way to completely protect yourself from these diseases?

Neurodegenerative diseases develop in ways we never thought possible. Often, they develop for reasons that are not fully understood. For both of these reasons, they cannot be prevented .

So what can we do to reduce the risk?

Although these diseases cannot be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them. Since these diseases are often caused by a combination of factors, reducing the number of factors can help reduce your risk.

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Eat a balanced diet: What you eat affects your brain health. A poor diet can make your brain more susceptible to this type of disease. It can also lead to other conditions like stroke .
• Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight: Your weight and activity level also affect your brain. Weight-related problems, especially circulatory problems like high blood pressure, and metabolic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, can also contribute to this.
• Wear protective gear when necessary: ​​Head injuries, especially concussions and traumatic brain injuries , greatly increase the risk of developing these diseases. Therefore, protective gear is a valuable tool to prevent injuries and protect brain health in the long term.
• See your family doctor annually: This can help prevent or delay the development of chronic conditions that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases later in life. These visits can also help detect these diseases early. Many of these diseases are easier to treat in the early stages.

If I have this kind of disease, how can I take care of myself?

If you have a neurodegenerative disease, you may be able to take care of yourself at first, but you will need help over time. The length of time you can take care of yourself depends on many things, such as the disease you have and other health problems.

What if you can't make decisions? Let's think about that too?

If you find out you have a neurodegenerative disease and you are unable to make decisions for yourself, it is important to talk to people you trust about what you would like to happen. This conversation can be difficult, but it will ensure that they know your wishes and will act accordingly. This is something that is really good for everyone, no matter what disease you have.

People you should talk to about this:

• Your family doctor and/or the specialists who treat your condition.
• Your immediate family.
• Your lawyer (if any).
• Other relatives and friends whom you trust and feel can make life and death decisions for you.

Topics you should talk to them about:

• If necessary, who would you like to speak for you and make decisions for you?
• Financial matters related to the costs of your treatment.
• Your wishes regarding things like end-of-life care, last will and testament, and Power of Attorney .
• What do you prefer about life-saving or life-prolonging treatments?

This conversation may feel awkward and difficult, but having these conversations before it's too late will ensure that your loved ones know your wishes if you are unable to speak up.

In addition to this conversation, it's a good idea to have your wishes and decisions in writing . Consider creating legal documents that outline what happens if you become unable to care for yourself or make decisions about your health. You can get help from a lawyer, but you can also create some of them yourself (you may need to have them signed by a notary).

How do you take care of your loved one if they have this kind of illness?

If your loved one has a neurodegenerative disease, what you can do will depend on the type of disease they have, how severe it is, and whether they have other health problems. They or their doctor can best tell you what they need.

Many people with these illnesses find it difficult to talk about what they are going through. Many are afraid of what the future holds. This can make it difficult to ask for help. They are embarrassed to ask for help, and the thought of having to rely on others can be distressing.

If your loved one has this condition, there are a few things you can do and keep in mind:

• Don't treat them like a burden or a helpless person. These illnesses make it difficult to do things that used to be easy. Eventually, even simple things like bathing, dressing, and going to the bathroom can become difficult. Treat them with the same respect and love as anyone else. Remember, they are the person you love, not the illness they have.
• Ask them what they need. Sometimes, all someone in a difficult situation needs is someone to talk to. If your loved one opens up to you, it's a good idea to ask them if they need someone to listen, or if they need ideas, suggestions, or help.
• Offer to help. It can be hard for your loved one to ask for help. They may not want to ask for it, or they may not feel like they need it. Sometimes, helping with small things can make it easier for them to rely on you when they need more help. You can help by taking them to doctor's appointments, helping with shopping, or helping with household chores.
• Take care of yourself too.Caregivers can be mentally and physically exhausted (caregiver burnout) . It's hard to take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself. It's also important to understand that your loved one may need more care than you can give. Trying to care for them without the training and resources you have can do more harm than good.

When should we see a doctor?

If you have any brain-related symptoms that are affecting your daily routine or work, see a doctor at any time . Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases can make a big difference in controlling the rate at which the disease worsens.

If you know you have a neurodegenerative disease, seek medical advice even during these times:

• When your doctor has given you an appointment . Going to these appointments helps your doctor monitor your condition and recommend any necessary treatments or lifestyle changes.
• If you notice a change in your symptoms . These changes can be important information for your doctor to consider when monitoring and caring for you.
• If you notice side effects or changes in the effectiveness of your treatment . Treatments, like medications, can become less effective over time. Tell your doctor if you notice changes in the effectiveness of your treatment. This will help them adjust your treatment and monitor your condition.

Your doctor may also tell you about other things that you should see him or her about soon, or that require immediate medical attention.

Finally, the take-home message

When you find out you have a neurodegenerative disease, you may feel shocked, scared, and angry. It can be overwhelming to face the thought of not being able to take care of yourself or live on your own. If you have a loved one with this disease, you may feel the same way.

Neurodegenerative diseases are permanent and incurable. But experts and researchers are constantly finding new ways to diagnose and treat these diseases . That means doctors can do more to treat these diseases, help you live longer, and improve your quality of life as much as possible. That way, you can limit the impact these diseases have on your life and focus on the things that are most important to you. Never give up hope, follow your doctor's advice, and talk to your loved ones about this.

` Neurodegenerative Diseases, Brain Diseases, Nervous System, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Memory Loss, Aging