It ranges in severity, and the extent of change determines its impact.
A mild degree of brain atrophy is not always a concern.
Substantial brain atrophy can be associated with major neurological diseases, such as alarge strokeorprogressive dementia.
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In some instances, it isnt clear whether cerebral atrophy caused the medical condition or vice versa.
Causes
There are a variety of reasons for cerebral atrophy.
It can occur due to progressive neurological disease, brain damage, or it can be present at birth.
Progressive Diseases
A number of neurological syndromes are characterized by degeneration of certain cells in the brain.
Parkinsons diseaseandAlzheimers diseaseare the most recognized neurodegenerative conditions that affect the brain.
Others include:
It is not clear why these conditions develop.
Experts suggest a mix of genetic and environmental factors may be involved.
Some experts suggest that aging is associated with slowly progressive atrophy.
Researchers arent sure whether this has any effect on a persons abilities or not.
Recurrent strokes can cause multiple areas of atrophy, typically causing behavioral changes andvascular dementia.
Sometimes multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause areas of brain atrophy as well.
After a region of the brain becomes damaged, the area may be exposed to inflammation and swelling.
Eventually, this can cause necrosis (death) of the affected brain cells.
Congenital
It is also possible for cerebral atrophy to be present at birth.
This can occur as part of a neurological syndrome, or due to insufficientbrain development.
Symptoms
Brain atrophy essentially means that neurons and their connections to each other have undergone necrosis.
The affected areas cannot function as they should.Wherethis occurs determines what symptoms you experience.
Progressive atrophytypically occurs during adulthood, manifesting with alossof skills.
The symptoms tend to slowly worsen over the course of months or even years.
These tests may identify generalized cerebral atrophy or areas of focal cerebral atrophy.
Treatment
Its not possible to reverse brain atrophy after it has occurred.
Some researchers suggest that healthy lifestyle strategies could minimize the atrophy thats normally associated with aging.
Therefore, avoiding trans fats can help prevent strokes and, consequently, cerebral atrophy.
Furthermore, researchers are starting to see evidence that stress may contribute to dementia as well.
2019;43(5):zsz280.
doi:10.1093/sleep/zsz280
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Cerebral atrophy information page.
Updated March 27, 2019.
2020;12(1):174. doi.10.3390/nu12010174
