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Brain Atrophy (BA)

Brain Atrophy (BA): Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Brain atrophy (BA), also known as cerebral atrophy, is a condition characterized by a decrease in brain mass due to the loss of brain cells (neurons) and the connections between them467. It is not a disease itself, but rather a sign of underlying biological processes or diseases5. Brain atrophy can be focal, affecting specific areas of the brain, or generalized, affecting the entire brain267.

Symptoms of Brain Atrophy

The symptoms of brain atrophy vary depending on the affected brain regions and the severity of the condition16. They can include:

• Memory loss1
• Difficulty with language1
• Impaired judgment1
• Seizures5
• Aphasia (language disorders)5
• Cognitive impairment4
• Motor deficits

Causes of Brain Atrophy

Brain atrophy can result from various factors, including diseases, injuries, and infections46. Some of the common causes include:

1. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Pick’s disease134.
2. Infections: Encephalitis, HIV/AIDS, and neurosyphilis345.
3. Injuries: Traumatic brain injury and stroke134.
4. Other Medical Conditions: Cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), leukodystrophies, and normal aging3467.
5. Drug-Induced: Alcohol, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids125.
6. Genetic Factors: Huntington’s disease1.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies2.
8. Metabolic and Endocrine Causes2.
9. Increased Intracranial Pressure2.

Several factors can increase the likelihood of cerebral atrophy, including old age, high blood pressure, a family history of neurological disorders, and activities that carry a risk of head injury4.

Diagnosis of Brain Atrophy

Diagnosing brain atrophy typically involves a comprehensive approach4:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam: A physician will document the patient’s medical history and inquire about their symptoms4.
2. Brain-Function Tests: Cognitive assessments, such as language or memory tests, may be administered to evaluate potential cognitive impairment4.
3. Neuroimaging: Techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans can reveal brain shrinkage or other physiological changes4.

The diagnosis often depends on the suspected underlying cause, and the physician may conduct tests to identify specific neurological conditions4.

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At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about neurofeedback therapy or would like more information on our services related to neurological health, consult with our experts today!

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References:

• Brain Atrophy and Cognitive Decline: This study discusses that Brain atrophy can be measured using imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, which can help in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. DOI: Not Available. Visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6860647/
• The relationships between regional cerebral blood flow, gray matter atrophy, and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease: This research shows that cerebral atrophy and reduced regional cerebral blood flow are connected to cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-024-12387-z
• Cerebral Atrophy in Neurological Disorders: This article describes cerebral atrophy is associated with a range of neurological conditions. DOI: Not Available. Visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557489/