Overview of Neurodegenerative Disorders

“The question is not how to survive, but how to thrive with passion, compassion, humor and style.” Maya Angelou

Brief introduction/description of these neurodegenerative disorders:

Alzheimer’s–  Alzheimer’s has its genesis in the hippocampus, the region of the brain critical for memories and spatial navigation.  Alzheimer’s typically presents with cognitive/dementia issues (and eventually even the ability to carry out simple tasks). Beta amyloid-Aβ and tau precipitation lead to neuronal cell dysfunction. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in the USA.

For further information see: NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/alzheimersdisease/alzheimersdisease.htm

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)– Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (in the USA commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) is a motor neuron disease. ALS results in the selective loss of motor neurons.  Motor neurons regulate communication between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles.  Typically, ALS is a rapidly progressive disorder and almost always fatal.

For further information see: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Fact Sheet http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_ALS.htm

Friedreich’s Ataxia– Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that results in muscle coordination problems that worsens over time. This disorder usually begins in childhood.  Friedreich’s ataxia is caused by a mutation in the gene named frataxin, which functions in the mitochondria of the cell. The first symptom is usually difficulty walking. This ataxia worsens and slowly spreads to the arms and the trunk.

For further information see: Friedreich’s Ataxia Fact Sheet http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/friedreichs_ataxia/detail_friedreichs_ataxia.htm

Huntington’s Disease– Huntington’s is an inherited disorder that causes the progressive degeneration/death of neurons in the brain. Huntington’s typically results in movement (ataxia), cognitive (thinking) and psychiatric disorders.  The faulty gene occurs on chromosome 4; and it is not well understood how the abnormal “huntingtin” (protein) causes the disease. Therapy helps some of Huntington’s symptoms but can’t prevent the neurological decline.

For further information see: NINDS Huntington’s Disease Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/huntington/huntington.htm

Multiple Sclerosis– Multiple sclerosis leads to damage of the myelin sheath, the protective covering on some of our nerve cells. This damage slows down/blocks messages between the brain and the body.  The damaged myelin sheath on neurons promotes visual, muscle, balance disturbances and memory problems.  Many scientists believe that multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.

For further information see: NINDS Multiple Sclerosis Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/multiple_sclerosis.htm

Parkinson’s disease– Parkinson’s start from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain.  Lewy bodies are found in these cells; they are denatured aggregates of the protein named alpha-synuclein. Formation of Lewy bodies promote neuronal cell dysfunction and death. Parkinson’s presents mostly as a movement disorder (rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability, and resting tremor).

For further information see: NINDS Parkinson’s Disease Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm

Prion disease– Prions (proteinaceous infectious particle) are also called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE’s), which are rare degenerative brain disorders (they are acquired or genetic). Symptoms commonly include psychiatric problems, lack of coordination, and personality changes. Prion disorders progress rapidly and there are very limited treatment options.

For further information see: NINDS Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tse/tse.htm

Spinocerebellar ataxia–Spinocerebellar ataxia is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder (with many different sub-types that have unique genetic and biochemical features) characterized by slowly progressive gait problems, reduced coordination of hands, speech, and eye movements. Therapy helps manage some symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia but is unable to prevent the neurological decline.

For further information see: NINDS Ataxias and Cerebellar or Spinocerebellar Degeneration Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ataxia/ataxia.htm

Spinal muscular atrophy- Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that promotes muscle weakness and wasting in the arms and legs of infants and children.  Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by a loss of motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. As the motor neurons die, the muscles weaken, and this affects walking, crawling, breathing, swallowing, and head and neck control. The symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy span from mild to severe.

For further information see: NINDS Spinal Muscular Atrophy Information Page http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sma/sma.htm

Comparison of these neurodegenerative disorders (see Table below):  The table gives an overview of these neurodegenerative disorders with regard to age of onset, cases per year in the USA, area of brain altered, and the primary symptoms.  This comparison highlights a number of differences, yet these diseases are unified by their neurodegenerative dysfunction.  The many symptoms from each disorder illustrates the amazing importance of the brain and nervous system in the physiological functioning of the human body.

Neurodegenerative disorders are a somber group of disorders; however, advances are being made and we need to stay hopeful: Okay, yes, having any one of these neurodegenerative disorders sucks; I do understand and appreciate what you are dealing with for the rest of your life.  Dr. Jonas Salk said “Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.”  Recently, I compared Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and remarked (https://journeywithparkinsons.com/2015/06/10/a-comparison-of-parkinsons-to-alzheimers/ ): “Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s remind me of the old movie scenes where someone is slowly being drawn down into a pool of quicksand; the quicksand was always insidious, powerful, relentless, and cruel. Major research efforts and advances are on-going in both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  I am most hopeful that these future medical advances will be similar to the old movies where we are rescued from our own pools of quicksand named Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”

Based on the total numbers of cases per year in the USA, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s receive a lot of attention and the largest pool of research funds from the NIH.  However, to anyone with one of the above-mentioned disorders, they are all important regardless of number of patients/year.  As we advance our understanding of one neurodegenerative disorder, we bolster all of them; laying future groundwork for new and novel treatment strategies.  Please remain hopeful, persistent and courageous.