Neurodegenerative disorders

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by progressive neuronal deterioration resulting in cognitive or mental degeneration, dementias, muscle weakness, and/or movement disorders. Some disorders, such as Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease exhibit sporadic as well as familial forms, with familial forms generally developing at an earlier age. Others, such as Huntington disease, are always inherited. Molecular genetics has elucidated the basis for a number of neurodegenerative disorders, and molecular testing may identify familial mutations, allowing presymptomatic or prenatal testing for family members.