NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES AND RISK-FACTORS - A LITERATURE-REVIEW

Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system are significant ca uses of mortality among elderly people in industrialized countries. Fo r the most part, the causes of these diseases are unknown. It is also very difficult to diagnose this type of disease quickly and accurately . This article reviews the epidemiological research on the principal n eurodegenerative disorders, focusing on geographical, hereditary acid viral and toxicological exposure correlates, We look in particular at the effect of exposure to toxins as well as the effect that deficienci es of elements such as calcium and selenium could have on the developm ent of these neurological diseases. We also consider the possible prot ectionist effect of some variables on the development of certain neuro logical diseases.