Neuroinflammation
Domain : Pathophysiology
Category : My daily life
Simplified definition
Inflammation in the brain caused by the buildup of cells that are supposed to clear the brain from the accumulation of abnormal proteins. In Alzheimer’s, these cells accumulate and end up killing the neurons.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“[…] Inflammatory response within the brain or spinal cord.”
Source: DiSabato DJ, Quan N, Godbout JP. Neuroinflammation: the devil is in the details. Journal of Neurochemistry. 2016;139(2):136-153.
Context
“Neuroinflammation represents a key process in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly.”
Source: Regen F, Hellmann-Regen J, Costantini E, Reale M. Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease: implications for microglial activation. Current Alzheimer Research. 2017;14:1-9.
Note
- Neuroinflammation does not occur only in Alzheimer’s.
- Brain inflammation can be beneficial, but it can become harmful when it is excessive.
- High levels of proteins called “cytokines” may be observed in cerebrospinal fluid during the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease.
Synonym(s)
Brain inflammationSpelling variation(s)
Neuro-inflammationGO FURTHER
