Neuroanatomical changes are really important in how neurodegenerative disorders get worse. Disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease change the brain’s structure and can lead to problems with how we think and remember.
Cell Changes: In Alzheimer’s disease, a lot of brain cells in an area called the hippocampus are lost. The hippocampus is important for making memories. When these cells are gone, it becomes harder to remember things.
Protein Buildup: Abnormal proteins, like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, build up in the brain. This buildup messes with how brain cells talk to each other. In Alzheimer’s, these proteins cause stress on cells, which can lead to cell death and make memory problems even worse.
Brain Inflammation: When certain brain cells, called microglia, are activated, they can cause inflammation. This inflammation affects nearby brain cells and can speed up the disease. It creates a harmful environment that leads to more damage.
Connection Issues: Changes in how different parts of the brain connect with each other, like in the default mode network in Alzheimer’s, can make it harder to pay attention and remember things.
In short, these changes in the brain build on each other and speed up how quickly brain function declines in people who are affected by these disorders.
Neuroanatomical changes are really important in how neurodegenerative disorders get worse. Disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease change the brain’s structure and can lead to problems with how we think and remember.
Cell Changes: In Alzheimer’s disease, a lot of brain cells in an area called the hippocampus are lost. The hippocampus is important for making memories. When these cells are gone, it becomes harder to remember things.
Protein Buildup: Abnormal proteins, like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, build up in the brain. This buildup messes with how brain cells talk to each other. In Alzheimer’s, these proteins cause stress on cells, which can lead to cell death and make memory problems even worse.
Brain Inflammation: When certain brain cells, called microglia, are activated, they can cause inflammation. This inflammation affects nearby brain cells and can speed up the disease. It creates a harmful environment that leads to more damage.
Connection Issues: Changes in how different parts of the brain connect with each other, like in the default mode network in Alzheimer’s, can make it harder to pay attention and remember things.
In short, these changes in the brain build on each other and speed up how quickly brain function declines in people who are affected by these disorders.