Neurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons. Many diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington’s occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. I’ve gained insight and interest on this topic from many websites including: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Neurodegeneration-What-is-Neurodegeneration.aspx. I decided on neurodegeneration when I started researching about the conditions such as Parkinson's and Huntington's. These and the other neurodegenerative diseases don’t have a cure but just treatment that can relieve some of the distressing symptoms.
However thorough research is taking place to find more effective treatments and a cure for some of the diseases. For example based on the idea that stem cells can be used to allow the body to produce dopamine, Australian scientists have come up with a way to effectively reprogram embryonic stem cells so they can act like the dopamine neurons in the brain. It's hoped one day they these can be transplanted into the brains of Parkinson's patients. There’s much more on this on http://www.news-medical.net/news/20111113/Parkinsone28099s-disease-breakthrough-using-stem-cell-therapy.aspx , which I'd like to include in my essay. I’ve done a coursework on schizophrenia that’s also associated to the dopamine levels in the brain, this could help me understand neurodegeneration and what happens in the brain.
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