Cells within the brain generally are classified as neurons and glia. Neurons communicate with neurons in the brain and throughout the body to allow for movement, organ functioning and higher mental processes. Glia are the supporting cells that aid in neuron signaling and help maintain the health of the neurons. Brain cell loss can indicate a serious underlying disease or can occur as a result of alcohol abuse. Severe brain cell loss can prove fatal.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease leads to a progressive loss of brain cells due to brain cell death. The loss of brain cells disrupts normal nerve cell signaling within the brain, causing the symptom's of the disease. Patients with Alzheimer's experience progressive dementia, memory loss and decreased physical function and may undergo personality or behavioral changes.
The biochemical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, or NFTs, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Amyloid plaques are composed of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein formed by improper cellular functioning. The amyloid plaques interfere with the cell's structural support and lead to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which lead to cell death. Alzheimer's is an incurable disease, but several drugs have proved effective in slowing its progression.
Parkinson's Disease
Another potential cause of brain cell loss is Parkinson's disease, a disorder caused by chemical imbalances, reports Ohio State University. Under normal conditions, specialized cells within the brain synthesize a protein called dopamine, which aids in nerve cell communication. In Parkinson's disease, there is too little dopamine in the brain due to brain cell death, so cells that normally signal with dopamine cannot signal properly. The result of this disrupted signaling is more brain cell death.
Parkinson's is a progressive and incurable disease. Patients with the disease commonly experience a progressive lack of muscle control that can eventually impair daily functioning. The initial causes of Parkinson's can range from exposure to toxins, injury or a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol use can cause brain cell death. Alcohol is an extremely toxic chemical which affects a number of cells and tissues throughout the body, including cells in the brain. Wayne State University explains that exposure to alcohol in moderate doses leads to brain cell death, which can cause memory loss or temporary paralysis. When the brain is exposed to very high levels of alcohol, the brain experiences alcohol overdose, which can cause brain stem failure and lead to a coma. Using alcohol in moderation and avoiding binge drinking can help decrease the risk of severe brain cell death.
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