Do Now 2/9/15 1.Describe possible causes for forgetting a memory. 2.Compare and contrast semantic and episodic memories.

Nervous System Diseases

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Description Characterized by tight muscles, muscle spasms, involuntary movements, problems with balance, and uncoordinated walking Can be minor (clumsiness) to severe (inability to move) Motor issues may be accompanied by learning disabilities

Cerebral Palsy Causes Damage to the motor control centers of the brain during pregnancy, birth, or up to age two

Cerebral Palsy Treatment No cure Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wheelchairs can be used to help improve symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Description Characterized by muscle weakness, spasms, or paralysis Problems with speech or swallowing Fatigue, chronic pain, nausea, vomiting Can be episodic (occur at random times) or progressive (gets worse with time) Lesions can be seen on the brain and spinal cord

Multiple Sclerosis Causes Autoimmune disorder Antibodies attack and destroy the Schwann cells & myelin around the axons of the brain and spine making it very difficult for nerve impulses to move quickly – More energy is needed to restore resting membrane potential

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment No cure Inflammation of CNS can be treated with high- dose steroids Symptoms can be managed with medication and rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.)

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease Description Tremors (especially hands) Rigidity of joints, slowness of movement As it progresses, loss of the ability to walk (stay balanced) and move

Parkinson’s Disease Causes Destruction of dopamine-secreting cells in the major pathways of the brain

Parkinson’s Disease Treatments No cure Medications that can increase dopamine production to reduce symptoms and slow progress

Epilepsy NJo NJo

Epilepsy Description Chronic seizures Sometimes has a trigger – Stress, flashing lights, strenuous physical activity

Epilepsy Causes Variety of causes Genetic disorder causing Na+ channels in neurons to stay open too long – Causes repeated impulses down the neuron Brain tumors

Epilepsy Treatment Anticonvulsant medications Surgery in extreme cases

Huntington’s Disease

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Huntington’s Disease Description Usual onset around the ages Physical motions become jerky at onset then more uncontrolled as time progresses Cognitive function and memory deteriorate

Huntington’s Disease Causes Genetic disorder that leads to the production of a protein that damages areas of the brain

Huntington’s Disease Treatment Drugs to help manage jerky motion

Meningitis

Meningitis Description Characterized by headache, neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental state Inability to tolerate light and loud noises Life threatening!

Meningitis Causes A bacterial or viral infection of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord (meninges)

Meningitis Treatment If bacterial, antibiotics Viral can be treated by dealing with symptoms because antivirals are often not that effective

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease Description Starts as an inability to acquire new memories and inability to recall facts As it progresses, loss of long term memory, confusion, and mood swings become common Eventually loss of control of body functions and death

Alzheimer’s Disease Causes Plaques and tangles form in the brain leading to a loss of neurons and atrophy (death) of the affected area – Caused by a misfolded protein that causes the deposits to form

Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment No cure Diet, exercise, and mental stimulation may reduce changes