Final answer:
Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders characterized by progressive neurological decline due to neuron death, with symptoms varying based on the nervous system region affected. Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are linked to abnormal protein accumulation. Research continues to explore the degenerative processes and potential common treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neurodegenerative disease is defined as a nervous system disorder characterized by the progressive loss of neurological functioning, usually caused by the death of neurons. These disorders can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the part of the nervous system affected. For instance, spinocerebellar ataxia results in neuronal death in the cerebellum, affecting balance and walking. Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS) fall under this category. Symptoms and their severity can vary widely, impacting movement, memory, and other neurological functions.
Current research indicates a possible commonality in the degenerative processes across different neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential pathways for common therapies. Disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have been linked with the accumulation of proteins that misbehave, such as beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's and toxic levels of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's. The causes of these diseases are varied and can include genetics, autoimmune responses, or as yet not fully understood mechanisms.