Neurodegenerative disease

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Neurodegenerative disease (Greek νέυρο-, néuro-, "nerval" and Latin dēgenerāre, "to decline" or "to worsen") is a condition in which cells of the brain and spinal cord are lost. The brain and spinal cord are composed of neurons that do different functions such as controlling movements, processing sensory information, and making decisions. Cells of the brain and spinal cord are not readily regenerated en masse, so excessive damage can be devastating. Neurodegenerative diseases result from deterioration of neurons or their myelin sheath which over time will lead to dysfunction and disabilities resulting from this.

Some sources limit the term "degenerative" to conditions primarily affecting gray matter that are not associated with a obvious inciting event.

For more information about Neurodegenerative disease, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with neurodegenerative disorder


Blocking biofilms: Alzheimer's research sheds light on potential treatments for urinary tract infections

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Nov 25, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Research into Alzheimer's disease seems an unlikely approach to yield a better way to fight urinary tract infections (UTIs), but that's what scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis ...





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A little magic provides an atomic-level look at bone

Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry

created 12 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to analyze intact bone paves the way for atomic-level explorations of how disease and aging affect bone. The research by scientists at the University of Michigan ...


Ecstasy may be linked to sleep apnea

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created 12 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

New research shows that recreational users of the drug known as ecstasy may be at a higher risk for sleep apnea. The study is published in the December 2, 2009, online issue of Neurology.


Defining feeding milestones in neonates helps improve quality of life

Medicine & Health / Health

created 13 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

A recent study conducted by researchers and physicians at Nationwide Children's Hospital sheds new light on feeding challenges often faced by premature infants. Although the prevalence of this disorder is well recognized, ...


Brandeis studies evaluate visionary approach to improving eyesight

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created 15 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Joseph Balboni loves sports. An avid tennis player and golfer, as well as baseball fan, the 46-year-old insurance agent became increasingly frustrated over time as his eyesight dimmed due to keratoconus, a degenerative eye ...


Depressed women can lose weight as successfully as others do

Medicine & Health / Health

created Dec 01, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Women with major depression were no less likely than were women without it to have successful results with a weight loss program, according to an article in the Winter 2009 Behavioral Medicine. Group Health Research Instit ...


Brown fat cells make 'spare tires' shrink

Medicine & Health / Research

created Dec 01, 2009 | popularity 3.7 / 5 (6) | comments 5

(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at the University of Bonn have found a new signalling pathway which stimulates the production and function of so-called brown fat cells. They propose using these cells that serve as a "natural ...


Fear of anxiety linked to depression in above-average worriers

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Dec 01, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of feeling anxious, may put people who are already above-average worriers at risk for depression, according to Penn State researchers. Understanding how sensitivity to anxiety is a risk factor ...


Study shows dream-enacting behavior is common in healthy young adults

Medicine & Health / Health

created Dec 01, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 1

A study in the Dec.1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that dream-enacting behaviors are common in healthy young adults, and the prevalence of specific behaviors differs between men and women.


Heavy metal paradox could point toward new therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Nov 30, 2009 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

New discoveries have been made about how an elevated level of lead, which is a neurotoxic heavy metal, can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease - findings that could point the way ...


First Step To Success steps up in Albuquerque schools

First Step To Success steps up in Albuquerque schools

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Nov 30, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

A school-based behavioral intervention program developed under a federal grant in the mid-1990s at the University of Oregon, already in widespread use, now has shown real value on a complex stage, scoring ...



List of search results for neurodegenerative disorder