Neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive diseases of the nervous system involving damage to or loss of neurons in the brain and/or spinal cord, which can occur at any time of life. Degenerative processes can be protracted (e.g., most forms of multiple sclerosis) or can be very rapid (certain forms of Alzheimer's disease). They may involve loss of intellectual and cognitive functioning, memory, planning and coordinating information, in which case they are called dementias. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Typically, neurodegenerative diseases that occur early in life (e.g., in early childhood) are not called dementias but instead are considered forms of mental retardation, such as Heller's syndrome (a form of autism) or Hurler's syndrome.

People related to the topic: Neurodegenerative diseases

Ariel Deutch, Ph.D.
James G. Blakemore Chair and Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Emeritus; Professor of Pharmacology Emeritus; Neurochemistry Faculty Service Coordinator, IDDRC Neuroscience Core D

Angela Jefferson, Ph.D.
Professor of Neurology and Medicine

Christine Konradi, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

Antje Mefferd, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Hearing & Speech Sciences

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