Dr. Curtis Cripe on the Diseases that Affect Our Brain
Dr. Curtis Cripe is NTL Group's head of research and development. He is also a neuroengineer who has devoted his time and effort to studying the human brain.
Today, he describes some of the diseases that affect the brain. He focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and discusses some of the most common types.
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Image source: istockphoto.com |
Neurodegenerative diseases fall under the category of chronic progressive conditions. These diseases result in the deterioration and death of nerve cells in the brain as well as other parts of the nervous system.
People with these diseases experience a decline in cognitive function, mobility, and different abilities. These diseases are mostly incurable. A harsher reality is that they often result in death.
Examples of neurodegenerative diseases
There are many neurodegenerative diseases. These include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Each type of neurodegenerative disease has its unique symptoms and progression.
Alzheimer's disease, usually referred to as Alzheimer's, is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease. Millions of people worldwide have Alzheimer's. It is the leading cause of dementia.
Parkinson's is the second most common type of this disease. It affects about a million people in the United States alone. It is also the leading cause of disability in older adults.
Huntington's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease that typically affects people in mid-life.
Lastly, ALS is a rare disease that affects nerve cells both in the brain and spinal cord, explains Dr. Curtis Cripe.
Examples of neurodegenerative diseases
There are many neurodegenerative diseases. These include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Each type of neurodegenerative disease has its unique symptoms and progression.
Alzheimer's disease, usually referred to as Alzheimer's, is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease. Millions of people worldwide have Alzheimer's. It is the leading cause of dementia.
Parkinson's is the second most common type of this disease. It affects about a million people in the United States alone. It is also the leading cause of disability in older adults.
Huntington's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease that typically affects people in mid-life.
Lastly, ALS is a rare disease that affects nerve cells both in the brain and spinal cord, explains Dr. Curtis Cripe.
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Image source: istockphoto.com |
As mentioned earlier, there is no known cure for these diseases. However, there are treatments for managing their symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment options for these diseases vary depending on the type of disease.
If you or someone you know and love has been diagnosed with any of these diseases, it is important to stay positive and seek out all available resources.
With support, information, and treatment, Dr. Curtis Cripe mentions that it's possible to live a full and rewarding life despite the challenges posed by these diseases.
Dr. Curtis Cripe is the director of the NTL Group's research and development team. For more information, click on this link.
