The brain, the most wonderful and complex part of the human body, is responsible for our thinking, memory, emotions and actions. However, as we age, many people experience a common problem: brain atrophy. This phenomenon is not limited to the elderly, it is a complex disease involving the nervous system, which may be triggered by a combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions and lifestyle habits. Brain atrophy tends to cause no significant discomfort in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, patients may develop a variety of symptoms that become noticeable and severely affect the ability to perform daily life and work.

The brain begins to "shrink", and the body generally has 3 reactions, so you might as well take a closer look at the abnormal behavior

When brain function is impaired, this condition can have wide-ranging effects on overall health. Patients may experience a range of unusual symptoms, including but not limited to headaches, dizziness, paresthesias in the limbs, and disturbances in the thought process. For example, an otherwise easy math problem can become difficult to solve. When these symptoms appear, it is advisable to have a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in time to ensure that any potential problems are detected in time.

In addition, altered memory is often an important sign of declining brain function. This condition can manifest as memory loss to the point of forgetting past events, and may even reach the level of Alzheimer's disease, where it is impossible to fully recognize friends and family.

Personality changes are also a sign of impaired brain function. For example, a person who is originally a good communicator may become reticent and reluctant to communicate with others. In addition, there may be excessive consideration of small things, loss of shame, sense of responsibility, or sense of honor, and indifferent behavior.

Prompt medical intervention is essential when these symptoms occur. If you or someone close to you shows these signs, it is advisable to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve prognosis and quality of life.

There are three causes of brain atrophy:

Alzheimer's disease, also known as Alzheimer's disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects older adults. The main manifestations of this disease are memory loss and cognitive dysfunction, accompanied by the occurrence of behavioral and psychological problems. Anatomically, it characterizes cerebral atrophy, especially in the temporal lobes and hippocampal regions of the brain, which are closely related to memory and cognitive function.

Inflammation also plays an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. For example, brain infections such as encephalitis and meningitis can cause neuronal damage, similar to brain tissue changes observed in Alzheimer's disease. The inflammatory response can affect the blood supply to the brain by causing lymphocytes to accumulate around blood vessels, vascular endothelial cell proliferation, and thrombosis. These processes can lead to white matter demyelination, edema, softening, or necrosis of the nervous tissue, eventually manifesting as brain atrophy.

Another associated condition is leukodystrophy, a rarer genetic disorder. The condition mainly affects the protective shell of nerve fibers, leading to a variety of neurological dysfunctions such as memory loss, behavioral abnormalities, movement disorders, and hearing problems. This condition usually begins in childhood, but its symptoms and manifestations are different from those of Alzheimer's disease.

Brain atrophy can be caused by a variety of causes, including several common factors:

1. Traces of age: changes in brain volume during natural aging

As we age, our brains undergo natural changes. This includes a gradual decrease in the size of the brain, as well as a decrease in the number of neurons and the connections between them. This phenomenon is part of the normal aging process and reflects the natural adaptations that occur in the brain over time.

2. The impact of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, are all associated with the gradual death of brain cells and the loss of brain tissue, which can lead to significant brain atrophy. In these cases, brain atrophy is a key feature of disease progression, affecting the patient's cognitive and motor function.

3. Hazards of cerebral vascular diseases

Cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral ischemia, can lead to an inadequate blood supply to the brain, which can lead to the death of brain cells and damage to brain tissue. Brain atrophy in these conditions is often associated with sudden events that may lead to a dramatic decline in function.

4. Consequences of head trauma

Severe head trauma or head injury can directly damage brain tissue, which can lead to brain atrophy. In these cases, brain atrophy may be caused by physical damage, leading to long-term cognitive and motor impairment.

Proofread by Zhuang Wu