What is the effect of neurodegeneration on the life expectancy and for what reason(s) do patients with neurodegenerative disease typically die?

Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including their death. It occurs in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. These diseases can affect the patient's cognitive and motor abilities, leading to a decline in their quality of life.

Neurodegenerative diseases can have a significant impact on life expectancy due to the progressive nature of these diseases. As the disease progresses, the patients become more susceptible to various health complications and can potentially experience a decline in their overall health. These factors ultimately contribute to the reduction in life expectancy for people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Several factors contribute to the decrease in life expectancy in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including: 1. Disease progression: As the disease advances, it can lead to more severe symptoms and complications that affect the patient's overall health. 2. Immobility: Decreased mobility due to motor deficits can lead to an increased risk of developing comorbidities such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, or pressure ulcers. 3. Cognitive decline: Patients with cognitive impairments may have difficulty maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, contributing to poor nutrition and general health decline.

The causes of death in patients with neurodegenerative diseases vary depending on the specific disease. Some of the common causes of death in these patients include: 1. Pneumonia: As the patients’ mobility decreases and their ability to clear secretions from their airways worsens, they become more prone to infections such as pneumonia. 2. Falls and injuries: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases can suffer from balance and coordination problems, making them more susceptible to falls and injuries, which could be fatal. 3. Cardiorespiratory failure: In some cases, the disease can affect the patient's respiratory or cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure or respiratory failure. 4. Disease complications: In some instances, a progression of the neurodegenerative disease itself can cause life-threatening complications, e.g., widespread neurological damage that affects vital functions such as breathing. These reasons contribute to the overall decline in life expectancy for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and explain the common causes of death among these patients.