Any of several conditions that lead to progressive loss of function (e.g., chorea. Parkinsonism).
An umbrella description for a wide variety of conditions in which there is increased deterioration of the structure or function (or both) of the body. Ageing causes a steady degeneration of many tissues and organs for example, wrinkling of the skin, cataract and poor neuromuscular coordination. In degenerative disorders the changes occur earlier in life. The nervous system, muscles, arteries, joints and eyes are all susceptible. Specialized tissues are replaced by connective tissue. The commonest example of a degenerative disorder in the nervous system is Alzheimer’s disease, which causes dementia; while in Huntington’s chorea, a genetic disorder, dementia is accompanied by incoordination of movements.
Degenerative disorders encompass a broad range of conditions characterized by the progressive impairment of a body system, organ, or tissue’s structure and function. Typically, these disorders involve a reduction in the number of specialized cells or structures within the affected organ, with connective tissue or scar tissue replacing the cells. While the underlying causes of many degenerative disorders remain poorly understood, they are the subject of intensive research and investigation.
Degenerative disorders of the nervous system encompass conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, motor neuron disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In the realm of eye disorders, degenerative conditions include Leber’s optic atrophy and senile macular degeneration. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder affecting the joints, while muscle degeneration is observed in muscular dystrophies.
A certain degree of arterial hardening is commonly associated with the natural aging process. However, in some individuals, degenerative changes in the muscle layer of the arteries can be exceptionally severe, and X-rays may reveal calcium deposits. Monckeberg’s sclerosis, a form of arteriosclerosis, is an example of such a condition where calcium deposits can be observed.
In the majority of cases, there are limited options available to slow down the progression of the disease. However, symptomatic relief can often be achieved through drug treatments, as seen in conditions like Parkinson’s disease. These medications aim to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.