A progressive neurological disease leading to loss of a specific population of nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, or less frequently, peripheral nerves or muscles. Usually these diseases are caused by a genetic mutation in a specific neuronal protein that leads to a loss of function of that protein or slow accumulation of insoluble material in or around the cell. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include: Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and spinocerebellar ataxias. close window
A disease which affects brain function. Results from the deterioration of neurons. Can be divided into two groups: Conditions causing problems with movements; and conditions affecting memory.
Degeneration of nerve cells.
A type of neurological disorder marked by the loss of nerve cells. See Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease.
Neurodegenerative disease (Greek νÎÏ…Ïο-, néuro-, "nerval" and Latin dÄ“generÄre, "to decline" or "to worsen") is a condition which affects brain function. Neurodegenerative diseases result from deterioration of neurons.