How We Examine and Improve


Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of central nervous system cells. These disorders can cause cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments that affect people’s ability to perform everyday activities. 

Keep reading to learn more about neurodegenerative brain disease and how Carolina Brain Center is committed to helping patients treat these degenerative disorders. 

How We Examine and Improve Neurodegenerative Disease

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, neurodegenerative disorders can severely negatively impact a patient’s quality of life, inhibiting their ability to take care of themselves, function in everyday social situations, or even interact with their friends and family members.

At Carolina Brain Center, we know how dramatically neurodegenerative disorders can impact a person’s quality of life. That’s why our expert team of holistic healthcare professionals prepared individualized treatment plans for every patient so that they can get the help they need in the areas they most need it.

What Causes Neurodegenerative Disease?

Grey paper cut out in the shape of a human head with blank puzzle pieces where the brain would beNeurodegenerative diseases are thought to occur when neurons within the brain are damaged. When these neurons are damaged, they are unable to replace themselves. This also means that as we age, neurons die off, and our brains shrink. 

While it is unclear exactly what causes neurodegenerative diseases or why certain people develop them, certain risk factors can increase your chance of getting a neurodegenerative disorder. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumor, or a stroke. Other causes may include environmental factors, such as toxins or chemicals, viruses, or abnormal proteins in the brain. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Common Types of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide. While there are many different types of neurodegenerative brain disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are the most common. Here is a basic overview of the most common neurodegenerative disorders.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease, or PD, is caused by the deterioration of neurons in the brain, specifically those in the parts of the brain that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement and coordination.

Typical symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, difficulty walking, and loss of balance. An estimated 200,000 cases of Parkinson’s are diagnosed each year.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, or AD, is believed to be caused by an abnormal build-up of protein in and around brain cells, which decreases acetylcholine levels and shrinks parts of the brain associated with memory.

A progressive disease that worsens over time, symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, disorientation, mood, and behavioral changes, paranoia, and even difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. Alzheimer’s affects an estimated 3 million people every year.

Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term used to classify several conditions where at least two major brain functions are impaired.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but other causes include vascular dementia, which results from damage to the blood vessels which supply oxygen to the brain, and Lewy body dementia, which results from the development of protein deposits in regions of the brain associated with thinking, memory, and movement. More than 3 million new dementia cases are reported annually.

Eight images depicting a brain scan

Additional Neurodegenerative Diseases

Other common neurodegenerative diseases include Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Neurodegenerative Disorder Treatment Improves Quality of Life

At Carolina Brain Center, we work with many patients who struggle with neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia. Many of our senior patients see significant improvements in memory and motor control through our holistic healthcare treatment plans. Enhancing one’s quality of life is a blessing to the patient and their family.

The first step to improving your quality of life is a comprehensive patient examination. This helps us, our expert staff of healthcare professionals, accurately and precisely identify what parts of the brain are working well and what parts are not working so well.

All our individualized treatment plans aim to use the good to help treat the bad, resulting in improved neurological function. The long-term objective is to slow the progression if we can and to give home strategies to help keep the patient as safe and independent as possible.

Visit Carolina Brain Center to Get Expert Help Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders often worsen over time. To ensure that you or a loved one get the help they need and enjoy the highest quality of life they can, fast action is necessary. Don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at Carolina Brain Center today.

Why Carolina Brain Center?

Dr. Dane brings 20 years of experience to the Triangle and has helped many people achieve a healthier brain and body.

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