Foods That Improve Memory
Certain foods can boost your brain health. They can clear brain fog, improve memory, and prevent conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Brain Atrophy
Brain atrophy is the gradual loss of brain cells and neural connections, leading to a decrease in brain volume. It is a symptom, not a condition or disease, and may be associated with various neurological disorders.
Explore This Symptom
Brain atrophy is the loss of brain tissue. It is detected by imaging tests of the brain like CT scans or MRIs. Brain atrophy happens when brain cells and neural connections are lost, causing the brain to shrink faster than what’s typical with aging. Several conditions can cause brain atrophy. The symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain the atrophy occurs and the underlying cause.
At Massachusetts General Hospital, our neurology team provides comprehensive evaluation and care for patients with brain atrophy. Our dedicated team of specialists offers evaluation, advanced treatments and personalized support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.
What Is Brain Atrophy?
Brain atrophy is a finding on neuroimaging, such as a head CT or brain MRI. It is a symptom, not a condition or disease. People with brain atrophy usually have an underlying condition that causes the death of brain cells faster than the normal results of aging.
Depending on the part of the brain affected, brain atrophy can cause an array of neurological symptoms.
Brain Atrophy Symptoms
The various parts of our brain control different functions, so the symptoms of brain atrophy depend on where in the brain the atrophy occurs. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Speech and language difficulty
- Mood and personality changes
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Involuntary movements, muscle spasms, or seizures
What Causes Brain Atrophy?
There are many causes of brain atrophy. It can result from other conditions, including:
- Neurological disorders: Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders can cause atrophy of the brain.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain may cause loss of brain tissue.
- Infectious diseases: HIV, AIDS, and syphilis can cause brain atrophy.
- Injury: Traumatic brain injuries can result in brain atrophy.
- Stroke: Cutting off blood supply to the brain can cause brain damage, including atrophy of the brain.
Stages of Brain Atrophy
There isn't a standardized system of brain atrophy stages, but many progressive neurological conditions that cause brain atrophy—such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis —have defined staging systems that may correspond to the brain damage caused by the condition.
Brain Atrophy Treatment
Brain atrophy is a symptom, not a condition, so it doesn't have a standardized treatment. Instead, treatment depends on the underlying condition causing the loss of brain tissue. Depending on the cause, your treatment plan may include:
- Medication
- Recommendations to support brain health
- Surgery
- Physical, speech, or occupational therapy
- Psychological support
Can Brain Atrophy Be Reversed?
That depends on the cause. Usually, brain atrophy is permanent, but in some cases, you may be able to regain the damaged tissue.
How to Prevent Brain Atrophy
Because atrophy of the brain is usually permanent, prevention is crucial. Prevention strategies include:
- Being physically active and exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Controlling related conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
FAQs About Brain Atrophy
Is mild brain atrophy normal?
No. It's normal to lose a small amount of brain tissue due to aging. However, "brain atrophy"–even when mild—specifically describes an above-normal loss of brain tissue.
What is the life expectancy of a person with brain atrophy?
There's no "one size fits all" answer to how long a person with brain atrophy will live. Traumatic brain injuries and chronic conditions that cause atrophy of the brain have varying effects on life expectancy.
Does alcohol cause brain atrophy?
Alcohol abuse can lead to the loss of brain tissue.
Does brain atrophy get worse?
It depends on the cause. Traumatic brain injuries may not have many long-term consequences if they receive adequate care. On the other hand, brain atrophy that results from a chronic progressive neurodegenerative condition will worsen as the condition progresses.
How fast does brain atrophy progress?
It depends on the cause of brain atrophy. Different underlying conditions progress at different rates, so it's best to talk to your doctor about the progression of your specific condition.
At what age does brain atrophy begin?
Normal brain shrinkage begins around age 35 and accelerates gradually, especially after age 60. Brain atrophy above the normal age-related baseline depends on the condition causing the loss of brain tissue.
Is brain atrophy the same as dementia?
Not exactly. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function that affects a person’s ability live independently, while brain atrophy is the loss of brain tissue. The two often occur together, as in Alzheimer's disease, but they are not the same thing.
What helps with brain atrophy?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing your risk of related conditions can help lower your risk of brain atrophy. Once you have brain atrophy, treatments like medication, counseling, and occupational therapy may help manage symptoms.