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Unexpected warning: What diseases can cause brain shrinkage? Can you guess it?
Brain shrinkage is a common feature in many diseases that affect the brain. In medicine, atrophy refers to a decrease in cell size, which may be caused by a gradual loss of intracellular proteins. In brain tissue, atrophy describes the loss of neurons and the connections between them. Brain atrophy can be classified into two main categories, depending on the area affected: generalized and focal. Generalized atrophy affects the entire brain, while focal atrophy affects cells in specific locations. If either hemisphere of the brain is affected, conscious thought and voluntary behavior may be impeded. Some degree of brain shrinkage is a natural occurrence as we age. After the age of 35, adults begin to show structural changes and gradually shrink at a rate of 0.2% per year. This process accelerates when individuals reach age 70. By age 90, the human brain may experience a loss of approximately 15% of its initial peak weight. In addition to brain shrinkage, aging is also associated with cerebral microbleeds.
Brain shrinkage is not a disease, but rather a sign of a disorder or biological process.
Causes
Brain shrinkage is not a standalone disease but an indicator of multiple diseases or biological processes. Many of the diseases that cause brain shrinkage are associated with dementia, epilepsy, and a group of conditions called language disorders. Dementia is characterized by a gradual impairment of memory and intellectual function sufficient to interfere with social and work skills. Memory, sense of orientation, abstract thinking, learning ability, visuospatial perception, and higher-level executive functions such as planning, organization, and sequencing may also be impaired. Seizures can take different forms, including disorientation, strange repetitive movements, loss of consciousness, or convulsions. Language disorders are a group of conditions characterized by difficulties in speaking and understanding language. While comprehending aphasia results in impaired comprehension, expressive aphasia may manifest as odd word choice and the use of incomplete phrases or sentences. The pattern and progression of brain shrinkage depends on the disorder involved.
Perhaps you would like to know what specific effects these diseases may have
There are many diseases associated with brain shrinkage including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, and many more.
Effects of Damage
A stroke can cause a sudden interruption of brain function, while moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can also cause damage. Unfortunately, the effects of these injuries may become more pronounced over time.
Diseases and Disorders
Alzheimer's disease is considered one of the most common diseases that cause brain shrinkage. High-resolution MRI scans show that the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease shrink as the disease progresses. Other diseases associated with brain shrinkage include Alzheimer's disease, prefrontal cortex dementia and vascular dementia. These diseases lead to the gradual destruction of neurons, ultimately affecting memory and cognition.
Impact of infectionInfectious diseases can also cause brain damage. Diseases such as encephalitis, neurosyphilis, and AIDS can trigger an inflammatory response in brain tissue, destroying neurons and their axons.
Drug-induced effects
The effects of alcohol are quite significant. Studies have shown that chronic alcohol abuse is associated with widespread cortical atrophy and major changes in the brain. Compared with healthy controls, alcoholics' brains were smaller in both mass and volume. In addition, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may also affect the volume of brain tissue.
Diagnostic Methods
Currently, common methods for diagnosing brain atrophy include CT and MRI examinations. These tests can compare multiple scans to see if the brain has shrunk in size over time.
Treatment and prevention
The key to preventing brain shrinkage is to control the underlying conditions that cause the shrinkage. Some recommended measures include healthy eating, regular physical exercise and maintaining a social life.
The reversibility problem
While most brain shrinkage is thought to be irreversible, recent research suggests that this is not always the case in some cases. For example, some alcoholics have shown a rebound in brain volume and significant improvements in cognitive function after quitting drinking. These findings challenge conventional wisdom and make us begin to rethink our view of irreversibility.
Behind the scenes, what potential treatments and preventive measures can reactivate brain growth and recovery?
