Work

Understanding the underlying causes of degenerative neural diseases

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Degenerative neural diseases (DNDs), such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis, are becoming more prevalent in our ageing society. Here we explain why different DND classes display characteristic disease-specific symptoms, but also why they often share common features triggered by a wide range of very different causes. Explanations are drawn from the complex biology of nerve fibres, which are the cable-like processes of nerve cells that tend to be prime lesion sites in DNDs. We hope that our explanations will help GPs to improve their understanding of DNDs, which might then facilitate conversations with affected patients about their condition and also lower the threshold to engage in further reading on the topic.

Source: InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice

DOI: 10.1177/17557380241298477

Authors: Bo Shields, Monty Silverdale, Andreas Prokop

Institutions: University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Directorate for Biological Sciences, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council