What should I do about brain atrophy?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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.

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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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Can cerebral atrophy be cured?

Brain cells are irreversible, and once they die, they cannot regenerate. If brain atrophy occurs, it means that some brain cells have necrosed, and complete recovery is impossible. However, some patients with brain atrophy have no clinical symptoms because the brain's compensatory function is relatively strong. The usual causes of brain atrophy include the following. Firstly, Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. Patients exhibit cortical brain atrophy, especially in areas such as the temporal lobes, frontal lobes, and hippocampus. Treatment is primarily symptomatic, and curing the disease is very difficult. Another cause is cerebrovascular disease. Long-term cerebral ischemia and arterial stenosis can also lead to brain atrophy. It is crucial to actively improve circulation and use anti-atherosclerosis medications for treatment. Additionally, some toxic encephalopathies, leukoencephalopathies, and drug toxicities can also cause brain atrophy. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Which areas are treated with moxibustion for brain atrophy?

Brain atrophy can be treated with moxibustion at acupuncture points on the head and face, such as the Renzhong, Yintang, Baihui, Fengchi, and Tianzhu points. These points help in revitalizing the brain and supplementing the brain and spinal cord. Brain atrophy is a chronic cerebral vascular disease and falls under the categories of dementia and amnesia in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture can be helpful in the early stages of brain atrophy. Treatments can also be combined with moxibustion, physiotherapy, symptomatic treatment, massage, etc. Acupuncture points on the limbs, such as Neiguan, Shenmen, Hegu on the upper limbs, and Sanyinjiao, Zusanli on the lower limbs can be used to nourish the liver and kidneys, and calm the mind.

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Neurology
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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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How to treat mild cerebral atrophy?

First, it is essential to eliminate psychological fear. Many people with mild cerebral atrophy show no clinical symptoms, so there is no need to be overly anxious. Second, it is important to control underlying diseases, especially maintaining control of blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and homocysteine levels. Abnormalities in these indicators can lead to cerebral ischemia, which in turn may exacerbate cerebral atrophy. Third, make an effort to continually learn new knowledge and master new skills to increase the brain's knowledge reserves and prevent the worsening of cerebral atrophy and the decline in intelligence. In addition, regularly exercising to improve cerebral blood circulation also has therapeutic effects.