Neurons are structural units of the nervous system that includes the brain and the spinal cord. As a rule, neurons do not reproduce and are not renewed, so if they are harmed or die they cannot be replaced by the human body.
The proportion of the world population affected by neurodegenerative diseases is steadily rising, partly due to the increase in life expectancy and population growth. These diseases affect mainly elderly people. Among these, dementia of various types presents the highest rates of morbidity, followed by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders affecting up to 7 million people in Europe. It is noteworthy that this number is expected to double every 20 years as the population ages. At present, the cost for the care of people with dementia across Europe is about € 130 billion a year, highlighting age-related neurodegenerative diseases as one of the top medical and social challenges our society faces.
Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases.
Epidemiological studies have confirmed that environmental toxins are one of the most important factors contributing to the development of neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. .excessive exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, etc.)
Several scientific groups have also identified genetic mutations correlating with specific neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., a mutation of the hGDH2 protein has accelerated the onset of Parkinson’s disease and a mutation of the SLC25 gene causes ataxia)
Even though the news that neurodegenerative diseases are increasing can only be described as ominous, at the same time the medical society is optimistic about the prevention of these conditions. The Greek medical tradition dictates that it is more important to prevent than to cure. Treating a disease after it has occurred can be compared to digging to find water when you are already thirsty.
If, however, the onset of the disease is unavoidable, it is of paramount importance that the diagnosis is made as soon as possible so that there is enough time for reversing even partial or even slowing the progression of the disease. Even when there are genetic factors predisposing to such a disease, lifestyle factors can modify gene expression and thus suppress or reverse the mechanisms that lead to inflammation and degeneration. Thus, the onset of the disease can be avoided or, in the worst of cases, delayed significantly.
The innovative diagnostic tests available to Functional Medicine are able to analyze the cellular functions and understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This targeted approach that supports the healthy cells or even those that are already diseased contributes to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases based mainly on the application of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective vascular or other biological mechanisms, and not chemotherapy.
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