ATROPHY(from the Greek a-neg. frequent, and trophe-nutrition), a term used to denote a decrease in the volume of cells, tissue or organ due to a malnutrition. Consequently, A. is a lifetime, acquired process of reducing the volume of one or another part of the body, and in this it differs from hypoplasia(see) or hypogenesis(see), which imply small sizes of an organ or part of the body due to their underdevelopment. The basis of the atrophy of a tissue or organ is the atrophy (i.e., decrease in volume) of the cells that make them up, and usually in some atrophying cells the decrease in volume reaches the complete disappearance of cells, which leads to the fact that, along with a decrease in cell volume, a decrease occurs and their numbers. In most cases, with A., on the part of cells decreasing in volume, no qualitative changes are observed in them constituent elements, which gives reason in such cases to talk about simple A. In contrast, degenerative A. is called a combination of A. with a qualitative change in the cell body, related to the manifestations of certain degeneration(see), rebirths. One of the common examples of atrophic processes last kind is the so-called brown A., which is based on the appearance in the protoplasm of atrophying cells of grains of brown pigment, called wear pigment or lipofuscin. All of the above changes that underlie the A. of certain tissues or organs concern exclusively or predominantly their parenchyma, i.e., functional functions. elements of a given tissue, while the interstitial tissue, stroma, either does not participate in the process of A. or even

therefore increases in volume.-A. can be local, i.e., concern only one organ or part of it or some tissue, or be general, covering the entire organism or at least most of its organs and tissues; in the latter kind of cases, this state of the body is called cachexia or marasmus. The conditions for the development and causes of A. are varied; in general, it is customary to consider seven types of A.-1 according to the main causal point. Physiological A., which is the prototype of the patent. A., there is a decrease in the volume of certain organs, which occurs in the order of physiological survival; this includes A. thymus in adults, A. ovaries in menopause, as well as senile A. ( senility), concerning the whole organism and expressed in the decrease in the volume of most organs and tissues, which is observed in old age.-2. A. from lack of nutrition can be local or general. The first of them is observed in cases where one organ or part of it suffers from lack of nutrition, which most often occurs from a narrowing of the lumen of the adductor artery and weakening of blood flow (for example, A. kidney tissue in arteriosclerosis renal artery). General A. from lack of nutrition is that state of exhaustion and weight loss (cachexia, marasmus), which is a consequence of starvation and severe long-term illness; In such cases, fatty tissue and muscles are exposed to the most severe degree A. -3. A. from pressure is observed in cases where some tissue is under pressure for a long time; A. under such conditions occurs depending on the decrease in blood flow to the tissue due to compression of its vessels, and also due to the fact that the assimilatory ability of the compressed cells weakens. Examples: corded or corset groove of the liver in women, tightening the waist tightly, small legs of Chinese women from artificial compression with a bandage, A. bone tissue sternum and vertebrae from pressure aneurysm(see) aorta, A. kidneys with hydronephrosis(see), impressions on inner surface skulls from the so-called Pachyonic granulations. - 4. A. due to toxic influences occurs under various long-term illnesses accompanied by intoxication, and has general character; This includes general cachexia of patients with advanced syphilis, tuberculosis patients, cachexia with

Drawing 1. Atrophy of the left hemisphere of the brain: A-right hemisphere (normal); L-atrophic left hemisphere, decreased so much that the cerebellum opened; c - formed between the skull and the brain, due to its atrophy, free space; d-consecutive thickening of the skull bones. malignancies tumors, with chronic malaria, etc., and it must be borne in mind that in most of these cases A. is the result of not only direct toxicity. influence on tissues, but also disturbances general nutrition, metabolism. Close to the category A. from toxic influences is A., which is a consequence of the action of radiant energy, for example, A. testicles from X-rays.-5. A. from inactivity is a decrease in the volume of tissue and its cells, observed during the inactive state of this tissue. The activity is important factor, maintaining sufficient blood flow to the tissue and metabolism in it; when the function ceases, these processes decline and tissue atrophy occurs. An example would be A. muscles of a limb that have been in a motionless state for a long time, for example, with paralysis or in plaster cast due to a bone fracture. - 6. Neurotic A. is an atrophic condition of tissue (eg, muscles, bones, skin) that develops when the connection of this tissue with the central nervous system is disrupted. In the past, it was assumed that there were special trophic fibers in the nerves that regulated the nutrition of the tissue, the elimination of the influence of which caused this type of A.; in the crust, the existence of such special nerves is not recognized by everyone, and neurotic atrophy is explained by a combination various factors(circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, inactivity, etc.). Examples of neurotic A. can serve as A. muscles when the anterior horns are affected spinal cord or peripheral nerves related to these muscles, A. half of the face when affected trigeminal nerve on the corresponding side.- 7. A. from a violation of hormonal correlations implies an atrophic process that develops as a result of any improper influences or loss of influences hormones(see), i.e. products of glands with internal secretion. Examples: general cachexia with damage to the cerebral appendage (cachexia hypophysaria) or with insufficiency thyroid gland(cachexia hypothyreotica), A. prostate gland during castration or destruction of the testicles by a pathological process. Pat.-anatomically, A. is expressed in a decrease in the volume of an organ or tissue, and if A. captures the organ evenly, the usual configuration does not change; if A. affects only some parts of the organ, leaving others untouched, a change in the shape of the organ or only its surface occurs (for example, granular A. of the kidney in arteriosclerosis). Along with a decrease in volume, compaction of the organ is often noticed, depending on the relative or even absolute increase connective tissue in him. Sometimes this proliferation of interstitial tissue is so significant that the total volume of tissue is not reduced and even increased; this is observed in A. muscles, often accompanied by significant growth of interstitial fatty tissue [false hypertrophy(see) muscles]. The color of organs in A. is somewhat paler than normal due to anemia of the tissue. In the liver, heart, and sympathetic ganglia, a brown color is usually observed due to the fact that these organs are characterized by “brown atrophy.” Microscopically, in an atrophied organ, a decrease in the size of its parenchymal elements is found, and this decrease occurs at first entirely due to the loss of protoplasm, while the nucleus retains its volume; Only with a strong degree of A. does a decrease in the size of cell nuclei occur. In some A., along with a decrease in the volume of protoplasmic

Figure 2. Muscle atrophy (cross section). On the left and below, bundles of normal muscle fibers are visible; in the rest of the visual field there is severe atrophy of muscle fibers.

Parts of cells sometimes undergo a very pronounced proliferation and increase in the number of their nuclei, which is called atrophic proliferation of nuclei; this phenomenon is considered as a manifestation of an automatic regenerative reaction. With brown atrophy (in the liver, heart muscle, sympathetic ganglia) there is atrophic in the protoplasm. cells, an accumulation of grains of brown pigment located near the nuclei is visible. Atrophying parenchymal elements are usually moved apart from each other by overgrown interstitial tissue. The outcome of A. can be expressed in a progressive increase in the process, and such A. leads cells to death and disappearance; on the other hand, when the conditions causing atrophy are eliminated, mildly changed cells can acquire their previous appearance. The meaning of A. is that the function of the atrophied tissue or organ is reduced. This understanding of the function of an atrophied organ can be the basis for serious general disease; So, with A. the thyroid gland develops myxedema(see) or cachexia (cachexia hypothyreotica), a consequence of A. pancreas is often Diabetes. A. Abrikosov.

The concept of atrophy. Types of atrophy. Hypertrophy – atrophic and dystrophic processes in athletes.

Atrophy (from Greek means withering) is an intravital decrease in the volume of a tissue or organ due to a decrease in the size of each cell, and subsequently in the number of cells making up the tissue, accompanied by a decrease or cessation of their function. In this case, atrophy is characterized by a decrease in the size of a normally formed organ and differs from agenesis, aplasia and hypoplasia, which are pathologies of organ development.

Agenesis is the complete absence of an organ and its anlage due to a disruption in the course of ontogenesis.

Aplasia is an underdevelopment of an organ that looks like an early rudiment.

Hypoplasia is incomplete development of an organ (the organ is partially reduced in size).

Atrophy is divided into physiological (normal) and pathological.

Physiological atrophy is observed throughout a person’s life. Thus, after birth, the umbilical arteries and the arterial (botallian) duct atrophy and become obliterated. In older people, the thymus and gonads atrophy. In animals, atrophy of some tissues occurs during metamorphosis.

Pathological atrophy occurs as a result of malnutrition, prolonged inactivity, infectious diseases, cancer, etc.

Senile (senile) atrophy: a decrease in the number of cells is one of the morphological manifestations of the aging process. This process has highest value in tissues formed by permanent cells that do not divide, for example, in the brain and heart. Atrophy with aging is often aggravated by atrophy as a result of the influence of concomitant factors, such as ischemia.

Pathological atrophy can be local or general.

Local atrophy depends on the cause and mechanism of development.

Atrophy from inactivity (dysfunctional atrophy): develops as a result of decreased organ function. It is observed, for example, in immobilized skeletal muscles and bones (in the treatment of fractures). With prolonged bed rest, physical inactivity skeletal muscles atrophy quite quickly due to inactivity. First of all, there is a rapid decrease in cell size, which also quickly restores volume when activity resumes. With prolonged immobilization, muscle fibers decrease in both size and number. Since skeletal muscle can regenerate to a limited extent, restoration of muscle size after loss of muscle fibers occurs mainly through compensatory hypertrophy of the surviving fibers, which requires a long period recovery. Bone atrophy is when bone is reabsorbed faster than bone is formed, this is manifested by a decrease in the size of the trabeculae (decreased mass), which leads to osteoporosis from inactivity. In addition, examples of dysfunctional atrophy include atrophy optic nerve after eye removal; edges of a toothless cell.

Atrophy, caused by insufficient blood supply, develops due to narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to this organ. A decrease in blood flow (ischemia) in tissues as a result of arterial diseases leads to hypoxia, resulting in a decrease in cell size and number and, as a result, the activity of parenchymal organs decreases. In addition, hypoxia stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, and sclerosis develops. This process is observed in the myocardium, when, against the background of progressive atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, cardiomyocyte atrophy and diffuse cardiosclerosis develop. With sclerosis of the renal vessels, atrophy and shrinkage of the kidneys develop, and diseases of the cerebral vessels, for example, are manifested by cerebral atrophy, which includes the death of neurons.

Pressure atrophy: Prolonged compression of tissue causes atrophy. A large, encapsulated benign tumor in the spinal canal can cause spinal cord atrophy. It is likely that this type of atrophy occurs due to compression of small blood vessels, which leads to ischemia, and not from the direct effect of pressure on the cells. With the pressure of the aneurysm, aneurysms may appear in the vertebral bodies and in the sternum. Pressure atrophy occurs in the kidneys when the flow of urine is obstructed. Urine stretches the lumen of the pelvis, compresses the kidney tissue, which turns into a bag with thin walls - this is hydronephrosis. When the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid is obstructed, the ventricles dilate and brain tissue atrophies - hydrocephalus.

Atrophy during denervation (neurotic atrophy): condition skeletal muscles depends on the functioning of the innervating nerve, which is necessary to maintain normal function and structure. Damage to the corresponding motor neuron in any area between the cell body in the spinal cord and the motor plaque leads to rapid atrophy of the muscle fibers that are innervated by this nerve (with poliomyelitis, with inflammation of the nerves). With temporary denervation through physical therapy and electrical muscle stimulation, muscle fiber death can be avoided and normal function can be ensured when the nerve returns to normal function.

Atrophy as a result of deficiency of peripheral hormones. Target organs: the endometrium, mammary gland and a large number of endocrine glands depend on appropriate hormones for normal cellular growth. That is why a decrease in the amount of these hormones leads to atrophy. With a decrease in estrogen synthesis in the ovaries (tumors, inflammatory processes), atrophy of the endometrium, vaginal epithelium and mammary gland is observed. Diseases of the pituitary gland, accompanied by reduced secretion of pituitary tropic hormones, lead to atrophy of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and gonads. Treatment with adrenal corticosteroids high doses, sometimes used for immunosuppression, causes adrenal atrophy due to inhibition of pituitary corticotropin (ACTH) secretion. The adrenal glands of these patients quickly lose their ability to secrete cortisol and become dependent on exogenous steroids. The withdrawal of steroid therapy in such patients should be gradual enough to allow regeneration of the atrophied adrenal glands to occur.

Atrophy under the influence of physical and chemical factors. It is known that irradiation causes predominantly atrophy of the bone marrow and genital organs. Chemicals such as iodine and thiouracil suppress the function of the thyroid gland, which leads to its atrophy.

The appearance of the organ with local atrophy is different.

In most cases, the size of the organ decreases, its surface is smooth (smooth atrophy). With smooth atrophy, the folding of the gastrointestinal mucosa decreases.

Less commonly, granular atrophy occurs, when organs such as the kidneys and liver have a granular or lumpy appearance.

With hydronephrosis, hydrocephalus, false hypertrophy (an increase in organ volume due to the stromal component), the organs are increased in size, but not due to an increase in the volume of parenchyma, but due to the accumulation of fluid or the proliferation of adipose tissue.

In the cavity organs, concentric and eccentric atrophy are distinguished.

Brown atrophy is characterized by a decrease in cell size, occurs due to a decrease in the amount of cytoplasm and the number of cytoplasmic organelles, and is usually associated with a decrease in metabolic rate. Organelles that undergo dystrophic changes end up in lysosomal vacuoles; they undergo enzymatic destruction (autophagy). Residual organelle membranes often accumulate in the cytoplasm as a brown pigment - lipofuscin (wear pigment). The decrease in cell number occurs due to an imbalance between the levels of cell proliferation and cell death over a long period.

There is also general atrophy, or exhaustion (cachexia), which has the following causes:

Nutrient-deficiency atrophy: Protein and calorie starvation results in the use of body tissues, primarily skeletal muscle, as a source of energy and protein after other sources (glycogen and fat in adipose stores) are depleted. Such atrophy also occurs in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract due to a decrease in its ability to digest food;

Cancer cachexia (for any location of a malignant tumor);

Endocrine (pituitary) cachexia (Simmonds disease with damage to the pituitary gland, with increased function of the thyroid gland - thyrotoxic goiter);

Cerebral cachexia (damage to the hypothalamus);

Exhaustion in chronic infectious diseases (tuberculosis, brucellosis, chronic dysentery).

The appearance of patients with exhaustion is characteristic. With general atrophy, fat first disappears from fat depots, then skeletal muscles atrophy, then internal organs, and lastly the heart and brain. There is a sharp loss of weight, subcutaneous tissue is absent, and where it is preserved, it has an orange color (accumulation of lipochrome pigment). The muscles are atrophied, the skin is dry and flabby. Internal organs are reduced in size. In the liver and myocardium, phenomena of brown atrophy (accumulation of lipofuscin in cells) are observed.

The significance of atrophy for the body is determined by the degree of reduction of the organ and the decrease in its function. If atrophy and sclerosis have not reached a high degree, then after eliminating the cause that caused the atrophy, restoration of structure and function is possible. Atrophic changes that are far advanced are irreversible.

Hypertrophy(from ancient Greek ὑπερ- - “through, too” and τροφή - “food, food”) - an increase in the volume and mass of an organ, cells under the influence of various factors. Hypertrophy can be true or false. With false hypertrophy, the enlargement of the organ is due to the increased development of adipose tissue. The basis of true hypertrophy is the reproduction (hyperplasia) of specific functioning elements of the organ.

True hypertrophy often develops as a result of increased functional load on a particular organ (so-called working hypertrophy). An example of such hypertrophy is the powerful development of muscles in people engaged in physical labor and athletes. Depending on the nature of training, different types of hypertrophy can occur in muscles: sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar.

Sometimes the term is used figuratively, as a metaphor.

The process of muscle fiber thinning or degeneration muscle tissue, leading to limitation motor activity, and in serious cases to complete immobility of the patient, is called muscle atrophy. The causes of muscle atrophy are the following changes occurring in the body:

Gerontological processes (aging of the body);

Metabolic disorders;

Infectious diseases;

Dysregulation of muscles from the side nervous system resulting from polyneuritis, poisoning and other reasons;

Deficiency of certain enzymes (present from birth or acquired by the patient)

Muscles can undergo atrophy as a result of forced long-term immobility.

Atrophy is a gradual decrease in the size and volume of tissues or organs until they completely cease to function over time, if no measures and treatment methods are taken.

Atrophy can manifest itself in different ways, it all depends on the form, type and course of the disease (for example, with gastric atrophy, bad breath appears, stomach pain, constant burning, a feeling of fullness, heaviness in the abdomen, belching, problems with stool).

Useful products for atrophy

To maintain and strengthen the tissues and cells of the body, it is necessary to eat alkalizing foods, foods with protein, vitamins A, D, B6 and B12. The patient needs to eat:

• dairy products: milk (only fresh, never boiled or pasteurized), sour cream, cream, cottage cheese, butter, Dutch and processed cheeses;
• eggs (preferably chicken);
• fish and seafood: sea bass, mackerel, tuna, sardines;
• beef and pork, chicken, octopus and crab, rabbit, lamb, liver;
• nuts and seeds: pine, walnuts, hazelnuts, flaxseeds;
• vegetables: sweet pepper (bell pepper), broccoli, white cabbage, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots, lettuce, beets, cucumbers (fresh only);
• porridges cooked in water: millet, oatmeal, buckwheat, barley, rice, couscous;
• legumes and cereal crops;
• mushrooms;
• a large number of fresh fruit, fruits and berries: pomegranate, sea buckthorn, apples, viburnum, bananas, strawberries, apricots, oranges, grapes, melons, cranberries, papaya, peaches, lemons, currants, avocados, cherries;
• natural spices and seasonings: horseradish, garlic and onions (onions), celery;
• greens: parsley, spinach.

Traditional medicine for atrophy

For each type of atrophy, specific recipes must be used traditional medicine:

1. 1 For atrophy of the gastric mucosa, it is useful to drink decoctions of potatoes and cabbage.
2. 2 In case of brain atrophy, it is necessary to drink an infusion prepared from nettle, motherwort, oregano, and horsetail in equal proportions. You need to brew it as ordinary tea, drink a cup three times a day. Also, rye and chickweed help well. You can drink an infusion of them unlimitedly, but always before meals. These herbs help improve blood flow to the brain, which improves brain function. The fruits of barberry, rose hips and viburnum have similar abilities. The berries should be steamed in a thermos for 8 hours, then taken instead of tea. You can add honey.
3. 3 For optic nerve atrophy, you need to drink infusions of calendula flowers, wild mallow, peppermint, ginger root, buckwheat flowers, naked licorice, lemon balm, chamomile, blue cornflower, dill seeds. To achieve a positive effect, you need to eat 0.2 grams of mumiyo at lunch, before eating, for 20 days. It must be dissolved in a glass of clean filtered water. At inflammatory processes you need to wipe your eyes with tea leaves. If you are overtired, take a break and do gymnastics (at least move your eyes up and down, to the sides, blink them, massage your eyeballs).
4. 4 For skin atrophy, you need to take baths with

Atrophy is pathological condition, which is accompanied by a decrease in the size, weight and volume of the entire organ or its individual sections with a gradual cessation of functioning. Atrophy can also affect tissues, mucous membranes, nerves, and glands.

Causes

Atrophy is an acquired process. Drying of organs, tissues or other elements that previously developed normally occurs.

• General atrophy is provoked by the following factors:
• Flaw nutrients
• Oncological diseases
• Hypothalamic lesions
• Endocrine disorders
• Infectious diseases that occur over a long period of time

The causes of local atrophy include:

• Pressure on an organ or part of it
• Limitation of physical activity, muscle load
• Innervation
• Circulatory disorders resulting from ischemic lesions of veins and arteries
• Severe intoxication due to serious infections
• Radiation exposure

Long-term use of hormonal drugs

• Dishormonal disorders
• Heredity

Symptoms of atrophy

Symptoms of atrophy depend on the location, nature of the lesion, extent and severity.
For example, general muscle atrophy characterized by a general loss muscle mass, exhaustion, thinness. Progression of pathology leads to atrophy internal organs and brain cells.

Symptoms of retinal atrophy include loss of clarity of vision and the ability to distinguish colors. As vision deteriorates, the patient develops optical illusions, and complete blindness develops.

Skin atrophy is manifested by dryness, thinning of the skin, and loss of elasticity. Foci of thickening of the skin may form.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures differ in each specific case of suspected atrophy.
For any type of atrophy initial stage a physical examination is prescribed, which includes anamnesis, visual examination, palpation and other procedures. In all cases it is also necessary laboratory test. Further diagnosis varies.

For example, to detect organ atrophy, ultrasound diagnostics, CT or MRI, scintigraphy, radiography, fibrogastroduodenoscopy, etc. are performed.

The basis for diagnosing muscle atrophy is electromyography and muscle biopsy. Laboratory diagnostics includes the assessment of certain indicators in general and biochemical analysis blood.

Types of disease

There are many types of atrophy. The main ones are physiological and pathological.
Physiological atrophy is a normal process that occurs to a person throughout life. Example: atrophy thymus gland after puberty in adolescents, atrophy of bones, intervertebral and articular cartilage, skin in old age.

Pathological atrophy develops for the reasons mentioned above and is divided into general and local.

In addition, local atrophy is divided according to the following characteristics:

• According to the reasons and mechanism of development (dysfunctional, compression, dyscirculatory, neurotic, provoked by chemical, physical or toxic factors, dishormonal, brown)
• By external manifestations(lumpy, smooth)
• By the nature of the lesion (focal, diffuse, partial, complete)

Multisystem atrophy is a separate category - a neurodegenerative progressive disease with damage to the neural subcortical nodes white matter hemispheres, brainstem, spinal cord and cerebellum. Depending on the clinical picture, multisystem atrophy is divided into striatonigral degeneration, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and Shy-Drager syndrome.

Patient Actions

If changes are detected in organs or tissues characteristic of atrophy, as well as a decrease in their functioning, the patient must promptly consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

Treatment of atrophy

Treatment begins with eliminating the underlying disease that provoked the appearance of the atrophic process. If atrophy and sclerotic lesions are not very advanced, it is possible to partially or completely restore the structures and functions of the affected organ or part of an organ.

Deep atrophic lesions cannot be corrected or treated.

The choice of treatment depends on the form, severity, duration of the disease, the patient's age and drug tolerance.
Treatment methods are selected individually. Long-term medication, symptomatic and physiotherapeutic treatment is usually necessary. In some cases it is possible to achieve a positive effect, while in others the treatment is unsuccessful.

Complications

Complications may arise from different systems and organs from minor changes in structure to complete drying out of the organ. This is manifested by partial or complete blindness, deterioration of organ function, immobility, myxedema, infertility, dementia and other complications including death.

Prevention

Prevention is to prevent the causes causing the appearance atrophic process.

Brain atrophy is an irreversible disease characterized by gradual cell death and disruption of neural connections.

Experts note that most often the first signs of development degenerative changes appear in women of pre-retirement age. At the initial stage, the disease is difficult to recognize, since the symptoms are minor and the main causes are poorly understood, but developing rapidly, it ultimately leads to dementia and complete incapacity.

The main human organ, the brain, consists of a huge number of nerve cells, connected to each other. An atrophic change in the cerebral cortex causes the gradual death of nerve cells, while mental abilities fade over time, and how long a person lives depends on the age at which brain atrophy began.

Behavioral changes in old age are characteristic of almost all people, but due to their slow development, these signs of extinction are not a pathological process. Of course, older people become more irritable and grouchy, they can no longer react to changes in the world around them as in their youth, their intelligence decreases, but such changes do not lead to neurology, psychopathy and dementia.

The death of brain cells and the death of nerve endings is pathological process, leading to changes in the structure of the hemispheres, while there is a smoothing of the convolutions, a decrease in the volume and weight of this organ. Most susceptible to destruction frontal lobes, which leads to decreased intelligence and behavioral deviations.

Causes of the disease

At this stage, medicine is unable to answer the question of why the destruction of neurons begins, however, it has been found that the predisposition to the disease is inherited, and its formation is also facilitated by birth injuries and intrauterine diseases. Experts share congenital and acquired causes for the development of this disease.

Congenital causes:

• genetic predisposition;
• intrauterine infectious diseases;
• genetic mutations.

One of the genetic diseases that affects the cerebral cortex is Pick's disease. Most often it develops in middle-aged people and is expressed in the gradual damage of neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes. The disease develops rapidly and leads to death within 5-6 years.

Infection of the fetus during pregnancy also leads to destruction various organs, including the brain. For example, infection with toxoplasmosis, on early stages pregnancy, leads to damage to the nervous system of the fetus, which often does not survive or is born with congenital abnormalities and mental retardation.

Acquired causes include:

1. use large quantity alcohol and smoking lead to cerebral vasospasm and, as a consequence, oxygen starvation, which leads to insufficient supply of nutrients to the cells of the white matter of the brain, and then their death;
2. infectious diseases that affect nerve cells (for example, meningitis, rabies, polio);
3. injuries, concussions and mechanical damage;
4. severe form renal failure leads to general intoxication of the body, as a result of which all metabolic processes are disrupted;
5. external hydrocephalus, expressed in an increase in the subarachnoid space and ventricles, leads to atrophic processes;
6. chronic ischemia causes vascular damage and leads to insufficient supply of neural connections with nutrients;
7. atherosclerosis, expressed in a narrowing of the lumen of veins and arteries, and as a consequence an increase in intracranial pressure and risk of stroke.

Atrophy of the cerebral cortex can be caused by insufficient intellectual and physical activity, lack balanced nutrition and wrong lifestyle.

Why does the disease appear?

The main factor in the development of the disease is a genetic predisposition to the disease, but various injuries and other provoking factors can accelerate and provoke the death of brain neurons. Atrophic changes affect different areas of the cortex and subcortical substance, however, with all manifestations of the disease, the same clinical picture. Minor changes can be stopped and the patient’s condition improved with the help of medical supplies and lifestyle changes, but, unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure the disease.

Atrophy of the frontal lobes of the brain can develop during intrauterine maturation or prolonged labor due to prolonged oxygen starvation, which causes necrotic processes in the cortex cerebral hemispheres. Such children most often die in the womb or are born with obvious abnormalities.

The death of brain cells can also be caused by mutations at the gene level as a result of exposure to certain harmful substances on the body of a pregnant woman and long-term intoxication of the fetus, and sometimes it is simply a chromosomal malfunction.

Signs of the disease

On initial stage signs of brain atrophy are barely noticeable; only close people who know the patient well can catch them. Changes appear in apathetic state the patient lacks any desires and aspirations, lethargy and indifference appear. Sometimes there is a lack of moral principles and excessive sexual activity.

Progressive death of brain cells symptoms:

• decrease vocabulary the patient spends a long time selecting words to describe something;
• decrease in intellectual abilities over a short period;
• lack of self-criticism;
• loss of control over actions, body motor skills deteriorate.

Further atrophy of the brain is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being and a decrease in thought processes. The patient stops recognizing familiar things and forgets how to use them. The disappearance of one’s own behavioral characteristics leads to the “mirror” syndrome, in which the patient begins to unwittingly copy other people. Further, senile insanity and complete personality degradation develop.

Changes in behavior that appear do not allow an accurate diagnosis, therefore, to determine the reasons for changes in the patient’s character, it is necessary to carry out a series of studies.

However, under the strict guidance of the attending physician, it is possible to determine with a greater probability which part of the brain has undergone destructuring. So, if destruction occurs in the cortex, the following changes are distinguished:

1. decreased thought processes;
2. distortion in speech tone and voice timbre;
3. change in the ability to remember, up to complete disappearance;
4. deterioration fine motor skills fingers.

The symptoms of changes in the subcortical substance depend on the functions that the affected part performs, so limited brain atrophy has characteristic features.

Tissue necrosis medulla oblongata characterized by respiratory failure, digestive failure, cardiovascular and immune system person.

When the cerebellum is damaged, there is a disorder of muscle tone and incoordination of movements.

When the midbrain is destroyed, a person stops responding to external stimuli.

The death of cells in the intermediate section leads to disruption of body thermoregulation and metabolic failure.

Damage to the anterior part of the brain is characterized by loss of all reflexes.

The death of neurons leads to the loss of the ability to independently support life and often leads to death.

Sometimes necrotic changes are the result of injury or long-term poisoning with toxic substances, resulting in restructuring of neurons and damage to large blood vessels.

Classification

By international classification atrophic lesions are divided according to the severity of the disease and the location of the pathological changes.

Each stage of the disease has special symptoms.

Atrophic diseases of the brain of the 1st degree or subatrophy of the brain are characterized by minor changes in the behavior of the patient and quickly progress to the next stage. At this stage, early diagnosis is extremely important, since the disease can be temporarily stopped and how long the patient lives will depend on the effectiveness of treatment.

Stage 2 of the development of atrophic changes is manifested in a deterioration in the patient’s communication skills, he becomes irritable and unrestrained, and the tone of speech changes.

Patients with degree 3 atrophy become uncontrollable, psychosis appears, and the morality of the patient is lost.

The last, 4th stage of the disease, is characterized complete absence the patient’s understanding of reality, he stops responding to external stimuli.

Further development leads to complete destruction, vital systems begin to fail. At this stage, it is highly advisable to hospitalize the patient in mental asylum, as it becomes difficult to control.

Depending on the age at which brain atrophy begins, I distinguish between congenital and acquired forms of the disease. The acquired form of the disease develops in children after 1 year of life.

The death of nerve cells in children can develop due to various reasons, for example, as a result genetic disorders, different Rh factor in mother and child, intrauterine infection neuroinfections, prolonged fetal hypoxia.

As a result of the death of neurons, cystic tumors and atrophic hydrocephalus appear. Depending on where the cerebrospinal fluid accumulates, cerebral hydrocele can be internal, external or mixed.

Swiftly developing disease most often occurs in newborns, in which case we're talking about about serious disorders in brain tissue due to prolonged hypoxia, since children's body At this stage of life, there is an urgent need for intensive blood supply, and the lack of nutrients leads to serious consequences.

What atrophies does the brain undergo?

Subatrophic changes in the brain precede global neuronal death. At this stage, it is important to diagnose brain disease in time and prevent rapid development atrophic processes.

For example, with hydrocephalus of the brain in adults, the free voids released as a result of destruction begin to be intensively filled with released cerebrospinal fluid. This type of disease is difficult to diagnose, but proper therapy can delay further development of the disease.

Changes in the cortex and subcortical substance can be caused by thrombophilia and atherosclerosis, which, in the absence of proper treatment, first cause hypoxia and insufficient blood supply, and then the death of neurons in the occipital and parietal zone, so treatment will consist of improving blood circulation.

Alcoholic brain atrophy

Brain neurons are sensitive to the effects of alcohol, so drinking alcohol-containing drinks initially disrupts metabolic processes and addiction occurs.

Alcohol breakdown products poison neurons and destroy neural connections, then gradual death of cells occurs and, as a result, brain atrophy develops.

As a result of the destructive effect, not only the cortical-subcortical cells suffer, but also the fibers of the brain stem, blood vessels are damaged, neurons shrink and their nuclei are displaced.

The consequences of cell death are obvious: over time, alcoholics lose their sense of self-esteem and their memory decreases. Further use entails even greater intoxication of the body, and even if a person comes to his senses, he still later develops Alzheimer's disease and dementia, since the damage done is too great.

Multiple system atrophy

Multiple system brain atrophy is a progressive disease. The manifestation of the disease consists of 3 various violations, which are combined with each other in various options, and the main clinical picture will be determined primary signs atrophy:

• parksionism;
• destruction of the cerebellum;
• vegetative disorders.

At present, the causes of this disease are unknown. Diagnosed using MRI and clinical examination. Treatment usually consists of supportive care and reducing the impact of the disease's symptoms on the patient.

Cortical atrophy

Most often, cortical atrophy of the brain occurs in older people and develops due to senile changes. Mainly affects the frontal lobes, but spread to other parts is possible. Signs of the disease do not appear immediately, but ultimately leads to a decrease in intelligence and the ability to remember, dementia, shining example the impact of this disease on human life - Alzheimer's disease. Most often diagnosed with comprehensive study using MRI.

Diffuse atrophy often accompanies impaired blood flow, impaired tissue repair and decreased mental performance, a disorder of fine motor skills of the hands and coordination of movements, the development of the disease radically changes the patient’s lifestyle and leads to complete incapacity. Thus, senile dementia is a consequence of brain atrophy.

The most famous bihemispheric cortical atrophy is called Alzheimer's disease.

Cerebellar atrophy

The disease involves damage and death of small brain cells. The first signs of the disease: incoordination of movements, paralysis and speech disorders.

Changes in the cerebellar cortex mainly provoke diseases such as vascular atherosclerosis and tumor diseases brain stem, infectious diseases(meningitis), vitamin deficiency and metabolic disorders.

Cerebellar atrophy is accompanied by symptoms:

• speech and fine motor impairment;
• headache;
• nausea and vomiting;
• decreased hearing acuity;
• visual disturbances;
• at instrumental examination There is a decrease in the mass and volume of the cerebellum.

Treatment consists of blocking the signs of the disease with neuroleptics, restoring metabolic processes, for tumors, cytostatics are used, and it is possible to remove tumors surgically.

Types of diagnostics

Brain atrophy is diagnosed using instrumental analysis methods.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows you to examine in detail changes in the cortical and subcortical substance. With the help of the obtained images, it is possible to accurately make an appropriate diagnosis already at early stages diseases.

Computed tomography allows you to examine vascular lesions after a stroke and identify the causes of hemorrhage and determine the location cystic formations, which interfere with normal blood supply to tissues.

The newest research method - multislice tomography allows you to diagnose the disease at an early stage (subatrophy).

Prevention and treatment

Sticking to simple rules can significantly facilitate and prolong the life of the sick person. After diagnosis, it is best for the patient to remain in his/her familiar environment, as stressful situations may worsen the condition. It is important to provide the sick person with feasible mental and physical activity.

Nutrition for brain atrophy should be balanced, and a clear daily routine should be established. Mandatory waiver bad habits. Control physical indicators. Mental exercises. The diet for brain atrophy consists of avoiding severe and junk food, excluding fast food and alcoholic drinks. It is advisable to add nuts, seafood and greens to your diet.

Treatment consists of the use of neurostimulants, tranquilizers, antidepressants and sedatives. Unfortunately, this disease cannot be completely cured, and therapy for brain atrophy consists of reducing the symptoms of the disease. Which drug will be chosen as maintenance therapy depends on the type of atrophy and what functions are impaired.

Thus, for disorders in the cerebellar cortex, treatment is aimed at restoring motor functions and using drugs that correct tremor. In some cases, surgery to remove tumors is indicated.

Sometimes medications are used to improve metabolism and cerebral circulation, ensures good blood circulation and access to fresh air, to prevent oxygen starvation. Often the lesion affects other human organs, therefore it is necessary full examination at the Brain Institute.

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