Degenerative Nerve Diseases

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Degenerative nerve diseases affect many of your body's activities, such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function. Many of these diseases are genetic. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumor, or a stroke. Other causes may include toxins, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Degenerative nerve diseases include: Alzheimer's disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Friedreich ataxia Huntington's disease Lewy body disease Parkinson's disease Spinal muscular atrophy Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life-threatening. It depends on the type. Most of them have no cure. Treatments may help improve symptoms, relieve pain, and increase mobility.