6 Min Read
Neurological disorders are a major health concern, affecting around 3 billion people worldwide1. These have become a leading cause of disability. The contribution of neurological disorders is 10% of the total disease burden in India2. The largest contributors are stroke, headache disorders, cerebral palsy, and encephalitis3. Genetics plays an important role in neurological disorders, and continuous research is ongoing to understand how genetic mutations contribute to the development and progression of these conditions. This blog explores the role of genetics in neurological disorders and how the latest research will help in the effective treatment of these complex diseases.
Synopsis
Understanding Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders are conditions affecting the normal functioning of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Also, called nervous system disorders, these lead to various symptoms and disability, impacting your quality of life. These affect cognitive functions, motor skills, sensory perception, and autonomic processes. Multiple factors can cause these neurology diseases such as infections, degenerative diseases, trauma, infections, and genetic mutations.
The list of most common neurological disorders linked with genetics includes Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy seizure disorder, migraines, Guillain Barre Syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
Role of Genetics in Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders carry a genetic link, and understanding the role of genetics in the development and advancement of these neurological diseases is vital. It will assist researchers and healthcare providers in presenting better diagnoses and effective treatment, also helping in preventing these conditions. Here are three ways in which genetics impact neurological disorders:
-
Hereditary Disorders: These disorders can be directly inherited from one or both parents and are caused by mutations in specific genes that pass through families. For example: Huntington’s disease is caused by mutations within the HTT gene.
-
Genetic Predisposition: These disorders may not be directly inherited but have a genetic predisposition, which means that when you have a positive genetic variation, the probability of developing these diseases may be higher. For example, having the APOE ε4 allele will increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
-
Spontaneous Mutations: These conditions are results of spontaneous genetic mutations that could occur during someone's lifetime. These are not inherited from parents but can lead to some disorders, for example: some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Consult our neurologists in Broadway Kolkata if you need diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.
Latest Research and Advancement in Neurogenetics
-
Gene Therapy: Ongoing research into gene therapy procedures specialises in locating techniques to correct or compensate faulty genes. For instance, experimental remedies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) contain changing the faulty SMN1 gene.
-
CRISPR and Genetic Editing: The CRISPR-Cas9 era is being explored for its capacity to put off genetic mutations that cause neurological disorders. This technique offers hope for the treatment of conditions like Huntington's disease and certain inherited styles of epilepsy.
-
Personalised Medicine: Various advances in genetic testing are being made, emerging a new treatment approach personalised medicine, wherein treatments will be tailored to every patient’s particular genetic makeup. This approach can improve the effectiveness of treatments and decrease adverse effects, related to traditional drugs.
-
Biomarkers for Early Detection: Genetic research supports the identification of biomarkers that may be used for early detection and prognosis of neurological disorders. Early intervention can appreciably improve treatment outcomes for conditions like Alzheimer's disorder and Parkinson's disorder.
Consult our neurology hospital in Broadway Kolkata if you need treatment and care for neurological disorders.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
With advancements in our understanding of genetics in neurology, genetic testing has emerged as a valuable tool. Genetic testing is a diagnostic technique in which the chromosomes, genes, or gene expression in human cells or tissue are studied. Any alteration in the results will indicate a genetically linked neurological disease. Though mostly various brain scans are used for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders, genetic tests help in subtyping neurological illnesses, helping in providing personalised treatment. It can also help identify individuals at increased risk for certain neurological conditions, enabling them to take proactive measures and prior planning.
Recent technological advancements have given some effective results in genetic testing, thus it should be considered for early diagnosis. This includes next-generation DNA sequencing methods, which accelerate the identification of genes responsible for neurological disorders and expand the possibilities for genetic diagnostic testing. Gene panels and exome sequencing can be utilised for diagnostic genetic testing, enabling more accurate diagnoses of many neurological illnesses.
Genetic counselling is also becoming vital these days, as it helps provide essential guidance and support to individuals and their families, helping them navigate these challenging neurological diseases.
Conclusion
The role of genetics in neurological disorders is complex but very useful. With the latest research advancements, the understanding related to how genetics affect these conditions is becoming easier and leads to better diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, and enhanced preventive measures. The future of neurology is promising, with genetics at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in the field. If you or your loved one is suffering from a neurological disorder or is at increased risk, seek consultation with neurologists at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, to get prompt and the latest treatment focusing on your overall well-being.
FAQ's
Neuropathy is nerve damage that affects the functioning of the nerves and can be caused by many factors. In some cases, neuropathy can be an inherited condition.
The treatment for neurological disorders depends upon the disease diagnosed. It mainly aims to minimise and restore the patient’s functional deformities through Neurorehabilitation.
Various types of neurological disorders are there, which occur due to structural, electrical or chemical abnormalities within the nervous systems. Some of these can be temporary that can be treated easily while others are more serious and require ongoing treatment.
Neurological disorders can be prevented to a certain extent by protecting your brain in these ways:
-
Exercise regularly
-
Keep away from heart problems by reducing their risk
-
Manage your blood sugar levels
-
Use medications only when prescribed by doctors
-
Stay away from stress
-
Take a good quality sleep
-
Protect yourself from brain injuries
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our Neurology Department or visit our website.
Share this article on:
