Knowra Corticobasal degeneration Corticobasal degeneration Corticobasal degeneration is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by abnormal tau accumulation in the brain. It can cause asymmetric movement problems, apraxia, and cognitive or language impairment.
Tau protein : Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that helps regulate the structure and transport functions of neurons. In this disease, tau accumulates abnormally inside neurons and glial cells.
Apraxia : Apraxia is impaired ability to perform learned purposeful actions despite adequate strength and understanding. Limb apraxia can make ordinary actions difficult, often more on one side.
Basal ganglia : The basal ganglia are interconnected brain nuclei involved in movement, action selection, and learning. Degeneration in basal-ganglia circuits contributes to rigidity and slowed movement.
Parkinson's disease : Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of dopamine-producing neurons and characteristic movement symptoms. It can resemble corticobasal syndrome, but has a different defining pathology.
Neurological examination : A neurological examination assesses mental status, cranial nerves, strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, and movement. Examination documents the asymmetric motor and cortical signs that raise suspicion.
Four-repeat tauopathy : A neurodegenerative disease category characterized by pathological accumulation of tau containing four microtubule-binding repeats. Corticobasal degeneration is classified among the four-repeat tauopathies.
Alien hand syndrome : Alien hand syndrome is involuntary, seemingly purposeful movement of a limb that feels outside a person's control. It can occur when asymmetric brain degeneration disrupts control over one hand.
Cerebral cortex : The cerebral cortex is the brain's outer layer, supporting perception, voluntary action, language, and higher cognition. Cortical degeneration helps explain apraxia, sensory problems, and cognitive changes.
Dementia with Lewy bodies : Dementia with Lewy bodies is a neurodegenerative disease marked by cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism. Its cognitive and movement symptoms overlap, but Lewy bodies rather than tau define its pathology.
Magnetic resonance imaging : Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. Brain imaging can show asymmetric cortical or basal-ganglia atrophy and help exclude alternatives.
Show all 27