An Overview of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Overview
Neurodegenerative disorders manifest when nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system progressively lose their functionality and eventually deteriorate. While some treatments may provide relief for certain physical or cognitive symptoms linked to these conditions, slowing their advancement proves challenging in some instances and unattainable in others. Regrettably, there are no known cures for many of the neurodegenerative disorders.
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS, present significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers. These conditions progressively damage nerve cells, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms. Patients often experience memory loss, muscle weakness, and difficulty with basic daily tasks.
Treatment options are confined to a delicate balancing act, one that involves the management of symptoms as well as the pursuit of strategies to curtail disease advancement.
Patients find themselves in a constant juggling act, oftentimes relying on a medley of medications, supplemented by physical therapy, and a repertoire of other multifaceted interventions.
Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. The emotional and physical toll of providing care can be overwhelming, but it is essential for the well-being of patients.
Courtesy Kirsty Pargeter
Research into neurodegenerative disorders is ongoing, with scientists striving to better understand the underlying causes and develop more effective treatments. Despite the complexity of these conditions, advances in neuroscience offer hope for future breakthroughs.
Epidemiology
A 2022 report from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association suggests that up to 6.2 million individuals in the United States could be afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, data from the Parkinson’s Foundation indicates that nearly one million Americans currently grapple with Parkinson’s disease.
Neurological disorders stand as the primary contributor to physical and cognitive disabilities on a global scale, impacting around 15% of the world’s population. The absolute count of affected individuals has notably risen over the last three decades. Furthermore, it is projected that the burden of chronic neurodegenerative conditions will at least double in the next two decades.
One study selected 18 neurological disorders from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 18 neurological disorders were chosen from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 dataset and categorized into three distinct groups. These categories encompassed:
Non-communicable diseases:
1. Stroke
2. Migraine
3. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
4. Idiopathic epilepsy
5. Brain and central nervous system cancer
6. Neural tube defects
7. Parkinson’s disease
8. Tension-type headache
9. Down syndrome
10. Multiple sclerosis
11. Motor neuron disease
12. Other neurological disorders
Communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases:
13. Neonatal encephalopathy resulting from perinatal oxygen deprivation and injury
14. Meningitis
15. Encephalitis
16. Tetanus
Injuries:
17. Head injuries
18. Spinal injuries
In 2019, the global landscape witnessed nearly 10 million fatalities and 349 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to neurological disorders. Among the 18 distinct neurological conditions, stroke emerged as the primary contributor to DALYs, followed by neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma. Over the span of 1990 to 2019, there was a significant decline in DALYs for neurological diseases categorized as communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional, while Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as Parkinson’s disease, experienced substantial increases.
Neurological disorders exhibited diverse patterns in various regions and age groups, with a notable correlation between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and age-standardized DALY rates, except for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Furthermore, risk factors like elevated systolic blood pressure, low birth weight, shorter gestation periods, and metabolic risks played a substantial role in contributing to the prevalence of neurological disorders.
Courtesy Ahasanara Akter
The overall burden of neurological disorders has risen from 1990 to 2019, particularly in the case of non-communicable neurological disorders. The marked disparities in burden across regions underscore the necessity for tailored intervention strategies specific to each region and the allocation of resources based on prioritized needs.
Treatments
This article is intended to give the reader an overview of the current science. There are several ongoing research efforts and emerging treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. However, it’s important to note that the field of medicine is constantly evolving, and new treatments will continue to be developed and refined. Here are some of the latest treatment approaches and developments for common neurodegenerative disorders:
Alzheimer’s Disease:
Disease-Modifying Therapies: Several experimental drugs targeting beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, were in clinical trials. Some have shown promise in slowing cognitive decline.
Immunotherapy: Research on using antibodies to clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain continues.
Precision Medicine: Tailoring treatment based on an individual’s genetic and biomarker profile is an area of active research.
Lifestyle Interventions: Lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and cognitive training, are being explored as potential preventive and complementary therapies.
Parkinson’s Disease:
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Advances in the technique and technology of DBS have improved its effectiveness in managing motor symptoms.
Disease-Modifying Therapies: Research is ongoing into drugs that might slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Gene Therapy: Experimental gene therapies are being explored to alleviate symptoms and possibly slow disease progression.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):
Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies: Experimental treatments using antisense oligonucleotides aim to target and reduce the expression of the mutated genes associated with familial ALS.
Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell-based approaches are being investigated for their potential to replace damaged motor neurons.
Precision Medicine: Efforts to identify specific genetic subtypes of ALS to guide treatment approaches are ongoing.
Courtesy Icon Ade
Huntington’s Disease:
Gene Silencing Therapies: RNA-targeted therapies designed to reduce the production of the mutated huntingtin protein are in development.
Neuroprotective Strategies: Research into compounds that protect brain cells from the toxic effects of the mutated huntingtin protein is ongoing.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS):
Disease-Modifying Therapies: Ongoing development of new and more effective disease-modifying drugs for relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of MS.
Myelin Repair: Research into remyelination therapies to repair damaged nerve fibers and restore function.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date information on treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, as new discoveries and therapies may have emerged since the publication of this article. Additionally, participation in clinical trials can be an option for individuals seeking access to experimental treatments and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this field.
The likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disorder significantly escalates with age. In the forthcoming decades, a growing number of Americans may find themselves affected by these conditions, particularly with the rise in life expectancy. Therefore, it is imperative that we enhance our comprehension of the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases and devise novel approaches for their treatment and prevention.
Written By: Lawrence D. Jones, Ph.D.
Keywords: neurological, neurodegenerative disorders, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
