Neurodegenerative diseases are an umbrella term that refers to a variety of conditions that primarily affect neurons in the brain. The threat of neurodegenerative diseases is serious for human health. Neurodegenerative conditions are debilitating and incurable diseases that cause progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells. These conditions can cause problems with movement (called ataxias) or mental functioning (called dementia) and can affect one's ability to speak, move and breathe. These disorders can affect people of a certain age and have an adverse impact on the mental health of their loved ones. In such a situation, talking to a professional can be of great help. These professionals can be your Online Psychiatrist, a trusted psychologist, and a licensed Clinical Psychologist.

A wide variety of neurodegenerative conditions can result in progressive damage to nerve connections and nerve cells that are vital for movement, coordination, strength, and sensation. Many of the activities you perform, including balancing, movement, and breathing, as well as talking and walking, can be affected by degenerative nerve diseases.

Common Neurodegenerative disorders include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis
• Friedreich ataxia
• Huntington's disease
• Lewy body diseases
• Parkinson's disease
• Spinal muscular atrophy

When do They Occur?

Neurodegenerative diseases are when nerve cells of the brain and peripheral nervous system become dysfunctional over time and die. Aging is considered as the main risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Postmitotic cells (cells that do not divide) are particularly sensitive to the effects of aging. Aging affects tissues made primarily from postmitotic cells and impacts the functioning of the brain. The hallmarks of aging include genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell senescence, altered intercellular communication, deregulated nutrient sensing, stem cell exhaustion, and deregulated nutrient sense affect the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Causes

As we age, our chances of developing neurodegenerative diseases rise dramatically. Scientists know that a person's environment, genes, and oxidative stress all contribute to the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder. Sometimes, the cause may be a medical condition like stroke or tumors. There are times when lifestyle factors like alcoholism, caffeine, or tobacco also impact the causes of neurodegenerative disorder. Toxins, chemicals, viruses, and other causes could also be involved. High blood pressure, genetics, age over 65, head injuries, or any other physical health diseases are all risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases.

Diagnosis

Memory loss, loss of coordination, anxiety, mood changes, and loss of inhibition are the most common symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. As the disease progresses, symptoms tend to get worse and new symptoms start to occur.

Loss of inhibition, loss of coordination, sensory processing difficulties, and seizures are three of the most alarming signs. If your loved one displays any of these signs, it can be alarming. A sudden disregard for social norms is commonly described as a loss of inhibition. A person may take off their clothes in social situations as if they were alone. A sudden display of clumsiness is another red flag. Everybody has clumsy moments. However, if the lack of coordination is persistent, it may be time to get checked out.

Emotional blunting and forgetfulness are other common signs of neurodegenerative disease. Muscle cramps, fasciculations, weakness in the bulbar area, slurred speaking, spastic tongue, facial reflexes, mild facial weakness, and brisk jaw-jerk are common physical symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. It is possible to experience weakness in the upper limbs, pinching, gripping, holding, diaphragmatic weakness, and lower motor neuron involvement.

Treatment & Therapies

There are many treatments available that can slow down the progression of neurodegenerative disease, ease pain, and improve the patient's autonomy. Different medical-surgical procedures may be used depending on the case. Or, medications can be used in order to prolong the patient's ability to perform certain functions.

Psychoeducation is essential for both the patient and the environment to learn how to deal with the disease and its consequences. This reduces uncertainty and facilitates adaptation strategies and strategies. It is often recommended to use neuropsychological rehabilitation and physiotherapy as well as logotherapy, person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy along with occupational therapy in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. They all form part of a multidisciplinary strategy that prolongs and improves the patient's quality of life and independence.

Psychotherapy, family and individual Online Counselling, as well as speech therapy, and help from online psychiatric consultation, are all options to manage symptoms of the neurocognitive disorder and continue daily activities. To improve the quality and life of people with neurodegenerative diseases, a multidisciplinary approach is often used.

Self-Care Tips

• Eat Health Diet

Multinutrients such as secondary plant metabolites may delay the onset of dementia and slow down the ageing of the brain. These nutrients include micronutrients, macronutrients (protein and amino acids, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), and other nutrients.

• Maintain a Sleep Routine

You can also practice sticking to a regular sleeping schedule. Regular and scheduled sleep helps your brain refuel its supply of dopamine.

• Get regular physical exercise

In Neurodegenerative diseases, exercise is crucial and extremely important! It enhances flexibility, muscle strength, mobility, and balance while reducing stiffness. Additionally, there are proven advantages for respiratory and cardiac health. Simply put, you feel better.

• Stimulate your mind

Just as physical exercise is important to keep your body strong, stimulating your mind is also important. Games, puzzles, and structured online brain exercises are all excellent ways to keep your mind active and engaged.

• Take your medication as directed.

It's crucial to take medicines at the right time. Missed or postponed doses frequently cause an increase in off time or a flare-up of your symptoms. A higher risk of dyskinesias will arise from administering doses in too close intervals.

• Remember to relax

Life can be hectic and busy with all of our duties and dealing with neurodegenerative symptoms. However, it's crucial to schedule some downtime into your day so that your body can unwind. A quick nap during the day may prove to be revitalizing. You can also talk to your Online Counsellor about MBCT, Yoga Therapy, and other relaxation techniques.

Contributions by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist & Utkarsh Yadav