Neurodegeneration

Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of neuronal structure or function, often involving neuronal death. It can affect specific brain regions or spread across multiple parts of the nervous system.

Protein misfolding: The adoption of abnormal protein structures that can impair cellular function or promote aggregation. Misfolded proteins accumulate in several neurodegenerative diseases and can disrupt neuronal function.
Alzheimer's disease: A progressive brain disorder marked by cognitive decline and characteristic pathological changes. It is a common example of neurodegeneration, especially affecting memory-related brain systems.
Neuron: An electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through the nervous system. Neurodegeneration specifically concerns the structure or function of these cells.
Neurodevelopmental disorder: A condition arising from atypical development of the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental conditions originate in altered formation, rather than progressive neuronal loss.
Mitochondrial dysfunction: Impaired mitochondrial processes that reduce energy production or disturb cellular signaling. Neurons depend heavily on mitochondrial energy, and mitochondrial defects can contribute to their decline.
Parkinson's disease: A progressive disorder involving motor symptoms and degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. Its loss of substantia nigra neurons illustrates regionally selective degeneration.
Synapse: A junction where a neuron communicates with another cell through chemical or electrical signals. Synaptic dysfunction can precede neuron loss and disrupt circuits.
Acute brain injury: Sudden damage to brain tissue caused by events such as trauma or stroke. Acute injury begins abruptly, unlike the gradual progression typical of neurodegeneration.
Oxidative stress: Cellular damage arising when reactive oxygen species exceed antioxidant defenses. Oxidative damage can injure neuronal membranes, proteins, and DNA.
Huntington's disease: An inherited disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene. A defined genetic mutation causes progressive degeneration, especially in the striatum.

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