Degenerative Disorder

A Degenerative Disorder is one in which the brain and nerve cells gradually deteriorate, causing declines in mental and/or physical functioning. Patients may experience major memory loss and changes in personality or behavior, or they may suffer from problems with movement, balance, speech, and muscle weakness. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are all degenerative disorders. These problems affect many older adults and limit their ability to perform daily activities without assistance.