What diseases affect the brain as we get older?
Various health conditions and diseases can impact brain function as we age. Right here are some normally encountered ones:
1. Reminiscence-associated
troubles:
- Alzheimer's disease: is a progressive neurodegenerative ailment characterized by cognitive decline, reminiscence loss, and behavioral modifications because of atypical brain protein buildup.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A condition representing a transitional state between normal cognitive changes and dementia, involving noticeable cognitive decline without significant impairment in daily activities.
2. Movement-associated
issues:
- Parkinson's disease: is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells within the brain, leading to tremors, pressure, and motor difficulties
- Huntington's Disease: An inherited disorder causing the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, resulting in motor abnormalities, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms.
3. Vascular-related
conditions:
- Vascular Dementia: Cognitive decline caused by impaired blood flow to the brain, often resulting from strokes or other vascular issues.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A common cause of vision loss among older adults, affecting the central retina and causing difficulties with clear vision.
4. Degenerative brain
disorders:
- Lewy Body Dementia: A progressive brain disorder characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits, leading to cognitive fluctuations, motor symptoms, and visual hallucinations.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A group of disorders causing the degeneration of the frontal and temporal brain lobes, affecting behavior, language skills, and executive functions.
5. Other brain-related
conditions:
- Cerebrovascular Diseases: Conditions like strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) caused by blood vessel problems, potentially leading to cognitive impairment.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive disease affecting nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness and cognitive changes.
6. Mental
health-related concerns:
- Geriatric Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, impacting cognitive function and decision-making abilities.
7. Sensory impairments:
- Age-Related Hearing Loss: Gradual hearing loss that can affect communication abilities and cognitive function if left untreated.
8 . Late-Onset Epilepsy: Onset of seizures after the
age of 60, potentially impacting cognitive function
Keep in mind that not everyone will
get these conditions and that their likelihood and severity can vary depending
on things like genetics, lifestyle, and general health. A healthy lifestyle and
routine medical exams can help lower the risk of or manage the effects of these
conditions related to the brain.