How is brain atrophy treated?

Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

Updated on September 21, 2024

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Brain atrophy is a common condition among older patients, characterized by symptoms such as memory decline. Treatment may involve the use of medications that invigorate the blood, improve cerebral circulation, and nourish brain cells. Additionally, dietary therapy can include foods or medicines that nourish the kidneys, and it is recommended to consume more walnuts regularly. Why do foods that nourish the kidneys treat brain atrophy? According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow; thus, nourishing the kidneys can treat brain atrophy. Regular consumption of foods like Chinese yam and goji berries is encouraged. These can be added to soups and porridges to help nourish the kidneys and brain, and treat brain atrophy.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min

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Causes of Cerebellar Atrophy

The causes of cerebellar atrophy are quite diverse: First, some genetic diseases can lead to significant cerebellar atrophy, such as hereditary cerebellar ataxia, where patients experience obvious cerebellar atrophy. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this condition. Second, chronic alcohol poisoning from long-term drinking can lead to alcohol intoxication, which particularly damages cerebellar cells and causes cerebellar atrophy. Third, there are also some vascular diseases, such as cerebellar thrombosis. Recurrent cerebellar thrombosis can cause cerebellar atrophy. Fourth, other conditions like cerebellar inflammation and cerebellar tumors can also cause significant cerebellar atrophy. Fifth, some neurodegenerative diseases can also damage the cerebellum, such as multiple system atrophy with olivopontocerebellar atrophy, which also leads to cerebellar atrophy and manifests as ataxia.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

56sec

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MRI manifestations of brain atrophy

Patients with cerebral atrophy display clear signs on cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The manifestations on MRI primarily include notably widened cerebral sulci, obvious atrophy of the cerebral lobes, and enlarged ventricles, which are typical presentations of cerebral atrophy. Cerebral atrophy can be categorized into atrophy of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem, each showing different characteristics on MRI, which requires careful differentiation. There are many causes of cerebral atrophy, such as degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, which leads to cerebral atrophy. Cerebral thrombosis and poor cerebral vascular conditions can also cause cerebral atrophy due to insufficient blood supply to the brain. Additionally, drug toxicity and chronic alcoholism can lead to cerebral atrophy, which also needs to be differentiated carefully.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

56sec

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What are the symptoms of cerebral atrophy?

Some patients with brain atrophy may not exhibit any specific clinical symptoms and are only found to have brain atrophy through imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Some patients do exhibit clinical symptoms, and the common symptoms of brain atrophy mainly include the following manifestations. First, patients may experience a decline in memory function, such as frequently forgetting things they have just done, forgetting where they placed their wallet, or forgetting to bring keys when going out. Second, there may also be a decline in executive functions, such as difficulties in dressing or brushing teeth by oneself. Third, there may be a decline in computational abilities, to the extent that the patient cannot perform simple arithmetic. Additionally, brain atrophy may also present some psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations and incoherent speech.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

43sec

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Brain atrophy should be treated in the neurology department.

Cerebral atrophy is a type of vascular pathology. Patients need to visit the neurology department of a hospital for examination. Mild cases may lead to a decline in memory, while severe cases can affect intelligence and the ability to live normally. Patients with mild symptoms should timely follow medical advice to choose medications that nourish brain cells, and should also stabilize blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood viscosity. Engaging in intellectual games, exercising brain cells, having family companionship, participating in outdoor exercises to enhance immune capabilities, stabilizing the condition, and undergoing regular follow-ups are also advised.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

59sec

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What should I do about brain atrophy?

Brain atrophy includes both physiological and pathological types. Physiological brain atrophy generally occurs as age increases, similar to how wrinkles appear on the face. This type does not usually present symptoms and typically does not require treatment, as some degree of brain shrinkage may happen with age. Pathological brain atrophy, however, can occur in younger individuals and requires investigation to determine the underlying cause. Diagnostic tests should be conducted to clarify the cause of the atrophy and identify any specific diseases, which will guide the treatment plan. Additionally, some patients may experience atrophy due to past events like cerebral hemorrhage or stroke, which are caused by specific lesions. In such cases, treating the original disease is the approach taken, so the treatment plan for brain atrophy should be based on the specific circumstances.