Reduced Navigational Skills- A Sign of Neurodegenerative Disease

A human mind performs a number of functions all the day, even when we are sleeping. With the help of our mind, we are able to live a normal life. Navigation is a technique to focus on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement from one place to another. Ageing affects the capacity of mind in various ways. It is considered among the biggest known risk factors for most of the human disease. The key structure of the 'navigational network' in our brain is very sensitive. Aged people are considered more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease or Dementia (Memory Loss). Neurodegenerative disease is a blanket term that is used for a series of situations that initially affects the neurons in the human brain that are called the building blocks of the nervous system that includes spinal cord and brain. It is impossible to replace Neurons as they do not reproduce. So, if it gets damaged it can’t be replaced by the body. They are incurable diseases that lead to death of nerve cells. It directly creates trouble in movement like navigating places, routes or an address. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can reduce the consequences of the disease. However; it also varies as per individual's medical history, genetic risk factors, and performance on tests that measure memory.

By: Anita Aishvarya

Content: www.sciencedaily.com