Brain atrophy

Brain atrophy is a process of gradual death of cerebral cells and destruction of interneuronal connections. The pathological process can spread to the cerebral cortex or subcortical structures. Despite the cause of the pathological process and the treatment used, the prognosis for recovery is not entirely favorable. Atrophy can affect any functional area of the gray matter, leading to impaired cognitive abilities, sensory and motor disorders.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Epidemiology

Most of the registered cases are in elderly people, namely women. The onset of the disease can start after 55 years and in a couple of decades lead to complete dementia.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Causes brain atrophy

Brain atrophy is a serious pathology that occurs as a result of age-related degenerative processes, genetic mutation, the presence of concomitant pathology or radiation exposure. In some cases, one factor may come to the fore, while the others are only the background for the development of this pathology.

The basis for the development of atrophy is the decrease in the volume and mass of the brain with age. However, one should not think that the disease concerns only old age. There is brain atrophy in children, including newborns.

Almost all scientists unanimously claim that the cause of atrophy is hereditary, when failures in the transmission of genetic information are noted. The surrounding negative factors are considered background influences that can accelerate the process of this pathology.

Causes of congenital brain atrophy imply the presence of a genetic anomaly of hereditary genesis, mutation in chromosomes or an infectious process during pregnancy. Most often, this concerns viral etiology, but bacterial etiology is also often observed.

From the group of acquired predisposing factors, it is necessary to single out chronic intoxications, especially the negative impact of alcohol, infectious processes in the brain, both acute and chronic, traumatic brain damage and exposure to ionizing radiation.

Of course, acquired causes can come to the fore only in 5% of all cases, since in the remaining 95% they are a provoking factor against the background of manifestations of genetic mutation. Despite the focal nature of the process at the onset of the disease, the entire encephalon is gradually affected with the development of dementia and feeblemindedness.

At the moment, it is not possible to pathogenetically describe all the processes that occur in the brain during atrophy, since the nervous system itself and its functionality have not been fully studied. However, some information is still known, especially about the manifestations of atrophy involving certain structures.

[ 10 ]

Symptoms brain atrophy

As a result of age-related changes in the encephalon, as well as other organs, reverse development processes occur. This is due to the acceleration of destruction and slowing down of cell regeneration. Thus, the symptoms of brain atrophy gradually increase in severity depending on the affected area.

At the beginning of the disease, a person becomes less active, indifference, lethargy appear and the personality itself changes. Sometimes, ignoring moral behavior and actions is observed.

Next comes a reduction in vocabulary, which ultimately causes the presence of primitive expressions. Thinking loses its productivity, the ability to criticize behavior and think over actions is lost. In relation to motor activity, motor skills deteriorate, which leads to a change in handwriting and a deterioration in semantic expression.

Symptoms of brain atrophy may affect memory, thinking, and other cognitive functions. For example, a person may stop recognizing objects and forget how they are used. Such a person needs constant supervision to avoid unexpected emergencies. Problems with spatial orientation occur due to memory impairment.

Such a person cannot adequately assess the attitude of people around him and is often susceptible to suggestion. In the future, with the progression of the pathological process, complete moral and physical degradation of the personality occurs due to the onset of marasmus.

[ 11 ]

Brain atrophy grade 1

Degenerative changes in the brain become more active with age, but when exposed to additional factors, thinking disorders can develop much faster. Depending on the activity of the process, its severity and the severity of clinical manifestations, it is customary to distinguish several degrees of the disease.

Brain atrophy of the 1st degree is observed at the initial stage of the disease, when a minimal level of pathological deviations in the functioning of the encephalon is noted. In addition, it is necessary to take into account where the disease is initially localized - in the cortex or subcortical structures. The first manifestations of atrophy, which can be seen from the outside, depend on this.

At the initial stage, atrophy may have absolutely no clinical symptoms. It is possible that a person may become anxious due to the presence of another concomitant pathology that directly or indirectly affects the functioning of the encephalon. Then, periodic dizziness and headaches may appear, which gradually become more frequent and intense.

If a person at this stage consults a doctor, then stage 1 brain atrophy under the influence of drugs slows down its progression and symptoms may be absent. With age, it is necessary to adjust the treatment therapy, selecting other drugs and dosages. With their help, it is possible to slow down the growth and appearance of new clinical manifestations.

[ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Brain atrophy grade 2

The clinical picture and the presence of certain symptoms depend on the degree of damage to the brain, in particular on the damaged structures. The 2nd degree of pathology usually already has some manifestations, due to which one can suspect the presence of pathological processes.

The onset of the disease can manifest itself exclusively as dizziness, headache or even manifestations of another concomitant disease that affects the work of the encephalon. However, in the absence of therapeutic measures, this pathology continues to destroy structures and increase clinical manifestations.

Thus, to periodic dizziness, there is a deterioration in thinking abilities and the ability to conduct analysis. In addition, the level of critical thinking decreases and self-esteem of actions and speech function is lost. Later, most often, changes in speech and handwriting increase, and old habits are lost and new ones appear.

Grade 2 brain atrophy, as it progresses, causes deterioration of fine motor skills, when the fingers stop "obeying" the person, which leads to the impossibility of performing any work involving the fingers. Coordination of movements also suffers, as a result of which the gait and other activities slow down.

Thinking, memory and other cognitive functions gradually deteriorate. There is a loss of skills in using everyday objects, such as a TV remote control, a comb or a toothbrush. Sometimes you can notice a person copying the behavior and manners of others, which is due to the loss of independence in thinking and movement.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Forms

Depending on the cause and location, there are different forms of brain atrophy. Here are some of them:

1. Alzheimer's disease: This is the most common form of brain atrophy, characterized by the progressive loss of neurons and connections, especially in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. This leads to memory loss, cognitive deficits, and other neurological symptoms.
2. Parkinsonism: Some forms of parkinsonism, such as parkinsonism with dementia, may be accompanied by brain atrophy, especially in the areas responsible for movement control.
3. Progressive supranuclear palsy: This is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that causes brain atrophy and impairment of movement, coordination, and eye function.
4. Cerebellar ataxia: This is a group of conditions characterized by atrophy of the cerebellum (cerebellum) and resulting in problems with coordination and balance.
5. Multiple System Atrophy: This is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects different areas of the brain and spinal cord, causing movement disorders, androgen dysfunction, and other symptoms.
6. Hereditary forms of atrophy: Some forms of brain atrophy are genetic in nature and are passed on through families.
7. Vascular brain atrophy: Brain atrophy can also result from vascular disorders such as strokes or chronic ischemia, which can lead to decreased blood supply and loss of neurons.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ]

Atrophy of the frontal lobes of the brain

In some diseases, the first stage is characterized by atrophy of the frontal lobes of the brain, followed by progression and spread of the pathological process. This applies to Pick's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Pick's disease is characterized by destructive damage mainly to neurons in the frontal and temporal regions, which causes the appearance of certain clinical signs. With their help, a doctor can suspect the disease and, using instrumental methods, make a correct diagnosis.

Clinically, damage to these areas of the encephalon manifests itself in a change in personality in the form of deterioration of thinking and the process of memorization. In addition, from the onset of the disease, a decrease in intellectual abilities can be observed. Degradation of a person as a personality occurs, which is expressed in angularity of character, secrecy, alienation from others.

Motor activity and phrases become fanciful and may be repeated as if by a template. Due to the reduction of vocabulary, frequent repetition of the same information is observed during a conversation or after some time. Speech becomes primitive, using monosyllabic phrases.

Frontal lobe atrophy in Alzheimer's disease is slightly different from Pick's pathology, as in this case the process of memorization and thinking deteriorates to a greater extent. As for the person's personal qualities, they suffer a little later.

[ 21 ], [ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ]

Cerebellar atrophy of the brain

Dystrophic lesions can begin in the cerebellum, without involving the conduction pathways. Ataxia and changes in muscle tone come to the fore, despite the fact that the causes of development and prognosis are more similar to lesions of the neurons of the hemispheres.

Cerebellar atrophy of the brain can manifest itself in a person's loss of independent care abilities. Cerebellar damage is characterized by disorders of the combined functioning of skeletal muscles, coordination of movements, and balance maintenance.

Disorders of motor activity due to cerebellar pathology have several features. Thus, a person loses the smoothness of arms and legs when performing movements, intentional tremors appear, which are noted at the end of the motor act, handwriting changes, speech and movements become slower, and scanned speech appears.

Cerebellar atrophy of the brain may be characterized by increasing dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and hearing impairment. Intracranial pressure increases, ophthalmoplegia may occur due to paralysis of the cranial nerves responsible for the innervation of the eye, areflexia, enuresis, and nystagmus, when the pupil performs involuntary rhythmic oscillations.

[ 25 ], [ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Atrophy of the brain substance

The destructive process in neurons can occur in the course of a physiological process due to age-related changes after 60 years or pathologically - as a result of some disease. Atrophy of the brain substance is characterized by the gradual destruction of the nervous tissue with a decrease in the volume and mass of the gray matter.

Physiological destruction is observed in all people of advanced age, but the course of which can only be slightly affected by medication, slowing down the destructive processes. As for pathological atrophy due to the negative impact of harmful factors or another disease, here it is necessary to act on the cause of atrophy in order to stop or slow down the destruction of neurons.

Atrophy of the brain matter, in particular white matter, can develop as a result of various diseases or age-related changes. It is worth highlighting individual clinical manifestations of the pathology.

Thus, with the destruction of knee neurons, hemiplegia appears, which is a paralysis of the muscles of half the body. The same symptoms are noted with damage to the anterior part of the back leg.

Destruction of the posterior region is characterized by changes in sensitivity in half of the body (hemianesthesia, hemianopsia, and hemiataxia). Damage to the substance can also cause complete loss of sensitivity on one side of the body.

Mental disorders are possible in the form of lack of recognition of objects, performance of purposeful actions and the appearance of pseudobulbar signs. The progression of this pathology leads to disorders of speech function, swallowing and the emergence of pyramidal symptoms.

[ 29 ], [ 30 ], [ 31 ], [ 32 ]

Cortical brain atrophy

Due to age-related changes or as a result of a disease affecting the encephalon, the development of such a pathological process as cortical atrophy of the brain is possible. Most often, the frontal parts are affected, but the spread of destruction to other areas and structures of the gray matter is not excluded.

The disease begins unnoticed and slowly begins to progress, with an increase in symptoms noted after several years. With age and in the absence of treatment, the pathological process actively destroys neurons, which ultimately leads to dementia.

Cortical atrophy of the brain mainly occurs in people after 60 years of age, but in some cases destructive processes are observed at an earlier age due to the congenital genesis of development due to genetic predisposition.

The defeat of both hemispheres by cortical atrophy occurs in Alzheimer's disease or, in other words, senile dementia. The pronounced form of the disease leads to complete dementia, while small destructive foci do not have a significant negative impact on a person's mental abilities.

The severity of clinical symptoms depends on the localization and severity of damage to the subcortical structures or cortex. In addition, the rate of progression and prevalence of the destructive process should be taken into account.

[ 33 ], [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ], [ 38 ]

Multiple system atrophy of the brain

Degenerative processes underlie the development of Shy-Drager syndrome (multisystem atrophy). As a result of the destruction of neurons in some areas of the gray matter, motor activity disorders occur, and control over vegetative functions, such as blood pressure or the process of urination, is lost.

The disease is symptomatically so diverse that, for a start, we can identify some combinations of manifestations. Thus, the pathological process is expressed by vegetative dysfunctions, in the form of Parkinson's syndrome with the development of hypertension with tremors and slowing of motor activity, as well as in the form of ataxia - uncertain walking and impaired coordination.

The initial stage of the disease is manifested by akinetic-rigid syndrome, which is characterized by slow movements and has some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In addition, there are problems with coordination and the genitourinary system. In men, the first manifestation may be erectile dysfunction, when there is no ability to achieve an erection and maintain it.

As for the urinary system, it is worth noting urinary incontinence. In some cases, the first sign of pathology may be sudden falls of a person throughout the year.

With further development, multiple system atrophy of the brain acquires new symptoms, which can be divided into 3 groups. The first group includes Parkinsonism, which manifests itself in slow, awkward movements and changes in handwriting. The second group includes urinary retention, urinary incontinence, impotence, constipation and paralysis of the vocal cords. And finally, the third group consists of dysfunction of the cerebellum, which is characterized by difficulty in coordination, loss of the sense of prostration, dizziness and fainting.

In addition to cognitive impairment, other symptoms may include dry mouth, dry skin, changes in sweating, snoring, shortness of breath during sleep, and double vision.

Diffuse cerebral atrophy

Physiological or pathological processes in the body, in particular in the encephalon, can provoke the start of neuronal degeneration. Diffuse brain atrophy can occur as a result of age-related changes, genetic predisposition, or under the influence of provoking factors. These include infectious diseases, injuries, intoxications, diseases of other organs, as well as the negative impact of the environment.

As a result of the destruction of nerve cells, brain activity decreases, the ability to think critically and control one's actions is lost. In old age, a person sometimes changes his behavior, which is not always clear to those around him.

The onset of the disease can be localized in different areas, which causes certain symptoms. As other structures are involved in the pathological process, new clinical signs appear. Thus, healthy parts of the gray matter are gradually affected, which ultimately leads to dementia and loss of personality traits.

Diffuse cerebral atrophy is initially characterized by symptoms similar to cerebellar cortical atrophy, with gait disturbance and spatial perception loss. Later, symptoms become more frequent as the disease gradually affects new areas of gray matter.

[ 39 ], [ 40 ], [ 41 ], [ 42 ], [ 43 ]

Atrophy of the left hemisphere of the brain

Each area of the encephalon is responsible for a specific function, so when it is damaged, a person loses the ability to do something, either physically or mentally.

The pathological process in the left hemisphere causes speech disorders, such as motor aphasia. As the disease progresses, speech may consist of individual words. In addition, logical thinking suffers and a depressive state develops, especially if the atrophy is localized mostly in the temporal region.

Atrophy of the left hemisphere of the brain leads to the lack of perception of the full image, surrounding objects are perceived separately. In parallel to this, a person's ability to read is impaired, handwriting changes. Thus, analytical thinking suffers, the ability to think logically, analyze incoming information and manipulate dates and numbers is lost.

A person cannot correctly perceive and consistently process information, which leads to an inability to remember it. Speech addressed to such a person is perceived separately by sentences and even words, as a result of which there is no adequate response to the address.

Severe atrophy of the left hemisphere of the brain can cause complete or partial paralysis of the right side with impaired motor activity due to changes in muscle tone and sensory perception.

[ 44 ], [ 45 ], [ 46 ], [ 47 ]

Mixed brain atrophy

Cerebral disorders may occur as a result of age-related changes, under the influence of a genetic factor or concomitant pathology. Mixed brain atrophy is a process of gradual death of neurons and their connections, in which the cortex and subcortical structures suffer.

Degeneration of the nervous tissue occurs mostly in women over 55 years of age. Due to atrophy, dementia develops, which significantly worsens the quality of life. With age, the volume and mass of the brain decreases due to the gradual destruction of neurons.

The pathological process can be observed in childhood, when it comes to the genetic transmission of the disease. In addition, there is concomitant pathology and environmental factors, such as radiation.

Mixed brain atrophy affects the functional areas of the encephalon responsible for control of motor and mental activity, planning, analysis, and criticism of one's behavior and thoughts.

The initial stage of the disease is characterized by the appearance of lethargy, apathy and decreased activity. In some cases, immoral behavior is observed, as the person gradually loses self-criticism and control over actions.

Later, the quantitative and qualitative composition of the vocabulary decreases, the ability for productive thinking decreases, self-criticism and comprehension of behavior are lost, and motor skills deteriorate, which leads to a change in handwriting. Then the person stops recognizing familiar objects and eventually marasmus sets in, when the personality practically degrades.

Brain parenchyma atrophy

The causes of parenchyma damage are age-related changes, the presence of concomitant pathology that directly or indirectly affects the brain, genetic and harmful environmental factors.

Atrophy of the brain parenchyma can be observed due to insufficient nutrition of neurons, since it is the parenchyma that is most sensitive to hypoxia and insufficient supply of nutrients. As a result, the cells decrease in size due to compaction of the cytoplasm, nucleus and destruction of cytoplasmic structures.

In addition to qualitative changes in neurons, cells can disappear altogether, reducing the volume of the organ. Thus, atrophy of the brain parenchyma gradually leads to a decrease in brain weight. Clinically, parenchyma damage can manifest itself as impaired sensitivity in certain areas of the body, cognitive dysfunction, loss of self-criticism and control over behavior and speech function.

The course of atrophy steadily leads to personality degradation and ends in death. With the help of medications, one can try to slow down the development of the pathological process and support the functioning of other organs and systems. Symptomatic therapy is also used to alleviate the person's condition.

[ 48 ], [ 49 ], [ 50 ], [ 51 ]

Spinal cord atrophy

Reflexively, the spinal cord can perform motor and vegetative reflexes. Motor nerve cells innervate the muscular system of the body, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

In addition, there are sympathetic and parasympathetic centers that are responsible for the innervation of the heart, blood vessels, digestive organs and other structures. For example, in the thoracic segment there is a pupil dilation center and sympathetic centers for the innervation of the heart. The sacral section has parasympathetic centers responsible for the functionality of the urinary and reproductive systems.

Depending on the localization of destruction, spinal cord atrophy may manifest itself in impaired sensitivity - with destruction of neurons of the posterior roots, or motor activity - of the anterior roots. As a result of gradual damage to individual segments of the spinal cord, functional disorders of the organ innervated at a given level occur.

Thus, the disappearance of the knee reflex occurs due to the destruction of neurons at the level of the 2-3 lumbar segment, plantar - 5 lumbar, and the violation of the contraction of the abdominal muscles is observed with atrophy of the nerve cells of the 8-12 thoracic segments. Particularly dangerous is the destruction of neurons at the level of the 3-4 cervical segment, where the motor center of innervation of the diaphragm is located, which threatens human life.

Alcoholic brain atrophy

The most sensitive organ to alcohol is the encephalon. Under the influence of alcohol, metabolism changes in neurons, resulting in alcohol dependence.

Initially, the development of alcoholic encephalopathy is observed, caused by pathological processes in different areas of the brain, membranes, cerebrospinal fluid and vascular systems.

Under the influence of alcohol, the cells of the subcortical structures and the cortex are affected. In the brainstem and spinal cord, destruction of fibers is observed. Dead neurons form islands around the affected vessels with accumulations of decay products. In some neurons, processes of shrinkage, displacement and lysis of the nucleus are observed.

Alcoholic brain atrophy causes a gradual increase in symptoms, which begin with alcoholic delirium and encephalopathy and end in death.

In addition, sclerosis of the vessels with deposition of brown pigment and hemosiderin around, as a consequence of hemorrhages, and the presence of cysts in the vascular plexuses are noted. Hemorrhages in the brainstem, ischemic changes and neuronal dystrophy are possible.

It is worth highlighting the Maciafava-Bignami syndrome, which occurs as a result of frequent alcohol consumption in large quantities. Morphologically, central necrosis of the corpus callosum, its edema, as well as demyelination and hemorrhage are detected.

[ 52 ], [ 53 ], [ 54 ], [ 55 ], [ 56 ], [ 57 ]

Brain atrophy in children

Brain atrophy in children is rare, but this does not mean that it cannot develop in the presence of any neurological pathology. Neurologists should take this fact into account and prevent the development of this pathology in the early stages.

To make a diagnosis, they use a survey of complaints, the stages of the onset of symptoms, their duration, as well as their severity and progression. In children, atrophy can develop at the end of the initial stage of the formation of the nervous system.

Brain atrophy in children at the first stage may not have clinical manifestations, which complicates diagnostics, because parents do not notice the deviation from the outside, and the process of destruction has already begun. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging will help, thanks to which the encephalon is examined layer by layer, and pathological foci are detected.

As the disease progresses, children become nervous, irritable, conflicts with peers occur, which leads to the child's isolation. Further, depending on the activity of the pathological process, cognitive and physical disorders may be added. Treatment is aimed at slowing the progression of this pathology, maximally eliminating its symptoms and maintaining the functioning of other organs and systems.

[ 58 ], [ 59 ], [ 60 ], [ 61 ], [ 62 ], [ 63 ]

Brain atrophy in newborns

Most often, brain atrophy in newborns is caused by hydrocephalus or water on the brain. It is manifested by an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid, which protects the encephalon from damage.

There are many reasons for the development of hydrocele. It can form during pregnancy, when the fetus grows and develops, and is diagnosed using ultrasound. In addition, the cause can be various failures in the formation and development of the nervous system or intrauterine infections such as herpes or cytomegalovirus.

Also, hydrocele and, accordingly, brain atrophy in newborns can occur as a result of developmental defects of the brain or spinal cord, birth injuries accompanied by hemorrhage and the development of meningitis.

Such a baby should be placed in the intensive care unit, as it requires monitoring by neurologists and resuscitators. There is no effective treatment yet, so gradually this pathology leads to serious disruptions in the functioning of organs and systems due to their inadequate development.

[ 64 ], [ 65 ], [ 66 ], [ 67 ], [ 68 ]

Diagnostics brain atrophy

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor to establish a diagnosis and select effective treatment. At the first contact with the patient, it is necessary to find out about the complaints that bother you, the time of their occurrence and the presence of an already known chronic pathology.

Further, the diagnosis of brain atrophy consists of the use of X-ray examination, thanks to which the encephalon is examined layer by layer to detect additional formations (hematomas, tumors), as well as foci with structural changes. For this purpose, magnetic resonance imaging can be used.

In addition, cognitive tests are carried out, with the help of which the doctor determines the level of thinking and assumes the severity of this pathology. To exclude the vascular genesis of atrophy, it is recommended to conduct Dopplerography of the vessels of the neck and brain. Thus, the lumen of the vessels is visualized, which helps to detect atherosclerotic lesions or the presence of anatomical constrictions.

[ 69 ], [ 70 ], [ 71 ], [ 72 ], [ 73 ]

Treatment brain atrophy

In case of genetic genesis of the disease, there is no pathogenetic therapy, it is only possible to maintain normal functioning of organs and systems for a certain period. With the help of drugs, the pathological process can slow down its regression, which will allow you to lead an active lifestyle longer.

In case of age-related changes, the treatment of brain atrophy consists of using medications, providing full care to the person, eliminating irritants and protecting against problems.

A person needs support from loved ones, therefore, when the first signs of this pathology appear, you should not immediately send your relative to a nursing home. It is advisable to take a course of medication to maintain the functioning of the encephalon and eliminate the symptoms of the disease.

Antidepressants, sedatives, including tranquilizers, are widely used for therapeutic purposes, thanks to which a person relaxes and does not react so painfully to what is happening. He should be in a familiar environment, do his daily activities and preferably sleep during the day.

Effective treatment has not yet been developed in our time, since it is very difficult to combat the destruction of neurons. The only way to slow down the pathological process is the use of vascular drugs that improve cerebral circulation (Cavinton), nootropics (Ceraxon) and metabolic drugs. As a vitamin therapy, it is recommended to use group B to maintain the structure of nerve fibers.

Of course, with the help of medications you can slow down the progression of the disease, but not for long.

Treatment of spinal cord atrophy

Destruction of neurons in both the brain and spinal cord has no pathogenetic therapy due to the fact that it is extremely difficult to combat genetic, age-related and other causal factors. When exposed to a negative external factor, you can try to eliminate it; if there is a concomitant pathology that contributed to the destruction of neurons, its activity should be reduced.

Treatment of spinal cord atrophy is mostly based on the attitude of the people around you, as it is impossible to stop the pathological process and ultimately a person may become disabled. A good attitude, care and a familiar environment are the best things a relative can do.

As for drug therapy, the treatment of spinal cord atrophy involves the use of B vitamins, neurotropic and vascular drugs. Depending on the cause of this pathology, the first step is to eliminate or reduce the impact of the damaging factor.

Prevention

Since the pathological process is practically impossible to prevent or stop, prevention of brain atrophy can only consist of following certain recommendations, with the help of which it is possible to delay the onset of this pathology in the case of age-related genesis or to slightly slow it down in other cases.

Preventive methods consist of timely treatment of chronic concomitant pathology of a person, since exacerbation of diseases can provoke the development of this pathology. In addition, it is necessary to regularly undergo preventive examinations to identify new diseases and their treatment.

In addition, prevention of brain atrophy includes maintaining an active lifestyle, proper nutrition and adequate rest. With age, atrophic processes can be observed in all organs, in particular in the gray matter. A common cause is atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels.

As a result, it is recommended to follow certain recommendations to slow down the process of vascular damage by atherosclerotic deposits. To do this, it is necessary to control body weight, treat diseases of the endocrine system, metabolism, which contribute to obesity.

You should also combat high blood pressure, give up alcohol and smoking, strengthen your immune system and avoid psycho-emotional stress.

[ 74 ], [ 75 ], [ 76 ], [ 77 ]

Forecast

Depending on the area of the brain that has been most damaged, the prognosis and rate of development of the pathological process should be considered. For example, Pick's disease is characterized by the destruction of neurons in the frontal and temporal areas, as a result of which personality changes initially appear (thinking and memory deteriorate).

The disease progresses very quickly, resulting in personality degradation. Speech and physical activity acquire a pretentious tone, and the depletion of vocabulary contributes to the use of monosyllabic phrases.

As for Alzheimer's disease, the most pronounced deterioration of memory is here, but personal qualities do not suffer much even at severity level 2. This is caused mostly by ruptures of interneuronal connections rather than by the death of neurons.

Despite the disease present, the prognosis for brain atrophy is always unfavorable, as it slowly or quickly leads to dementia and death of a person. The only difference is the duration of the pathological process, and the outcome is the same in all cases.

[ 78 ], [ 79 ], [ 80 ], [ 81 ]

Life expectancy

Life expectancy for people with brain atrophy can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the cause of the atrophy, the extent of neuronal loss, and the overall health of the patient. It is important to understand that brain atrophy is a general term and can result from a variety of diseases and conditions.

Some forms of brain atrophy, such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, tend to progress over time and can lead to a deterioration in cognitive function and overall well-being. In these cases, life expectancy can be significantly shortened, especially in the later stages of the disease.

Vascular atrophy of the brain caused by chronic ischemia or multiple strokes can also affect the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. It is important to diagnose and treat vascular problems in a timely manner to slow the progression of brain atrophy.

However, there are a wide range of different causes of brain atrophy, and not all are equally serious. Life expectancy may be more normal in cases where atrophy is caused by less serious conditions or is diagnosed early when treatment or management options are available.