Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of rare conditions that involve the loss of neurological functions, such as walking or other movements, because of structural abnormalities in the central nervous system. These disorders can be genetic or nongenetic.

What causes neurodegenerative disease?

The causes of many of these conditions are unknown, but may include factors such as:

• Metabolic
• Viral
• Immunopathic
• Environmental
• Epileptogenic

More frequently occurring neurodegenerative diseases include:

• Tuberous sclerosis with degeneration
• West disease (idiopathic degenerative encephalopathy associated with infantile spasms)
• Werdnig-Hoffmann disease
• Hereditary spastic paraplegia
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
• Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

How is neurodegenerative disease treated? 

Treatments include addressing symptoms. Other treatments depend on the specifics of the condition. For example, if the condition is metabolic in nature, nutritional treatments may help.