What is meant by neurodegenerative diseases?
DThese include diseases caused by the death of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain. Depending on the clinical picture, this affects different regions. The reasons for the death of nerve cells can be different. This often occurs due to proteins misfolding, causing nerve cells to no longer perform their tasks. The most well-known neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
How many people were affected by this?
Their numbers are growing rapidly throughout the world. Regarding Parkinson’s disease, experts are now even talking about a Parkinson’s pandemic. If in 1990 about 2.5 million people were affected worldwide, then in 2016 there were already 6.1 million. When it comes to dementia, the numbers are even higher. There are currently approximately 60 million patients worldwide. In 2050 there will be 152.8 million. The rapid growth cannot be explained solely by the increasing age of the world’s population, says Daniela Berg, director of the department of neurology at the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein. There must be other reasons. She emphasizes lifestyle and environmental toxins. “There is growing evidence that certain aspects of lifestyle, as well as environmental toxins, are associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. “This should make you think,” the professor says. By the way, Alzheimer’s disease affects more women, and Parkinson’s disease affects more men.
Source: Frantfurter Allgemeine
I have been working as a news website author for the past year, and have written about a variety of healthcare-related topics. I am currently focusing on coverage of medical technology and innovation, as well as patient advocacy. I am also an avid cyclist and runner, and enjoy spending time outdoors exploring new trails or hitting the pavement for a run.
