Cortical Atrophy: Understanding Brain Cell Loss
Cortical atrophy refers to the progressive loss of brain cells and the resulting reduction in brain volume. This condition involves the shrinkage of the cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain responsible for many critical functions including thinking, memory, and movement control.
The brain contains billions of neurons and supporting cells that work together to process information and control bodily functions. When cortical atrophy occurs, these cells gradually deteriorate and die, leading to a measurable decrease in brain size. This process can affect both gray matter, which contains the neuron cell bodies, and white matter, which contains the connections between neurons.
Cortical atrophy can develop as part of various neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of global cortical atrophy, where both gray and white matter are typically affected equally. Other conditions that can lead to cortical atrophy include multiple system atrophy, a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, slow movement, muscle rigidity, and postural instability. Multiple system atrophy involves progressive degeneration of neurons in several parts of the brain including the basal ganglia, inferior olivary nucleus, and cerebellum.
The symptoms of cortical atrophy depend on which areas of the brain are affected and how severe the damage is. When the hippocampus, a brain region that controls memory, experiences atrophy, individuals may notice memory problems and cognitive decline. Damage to other cortical areas can affect speech, balance, walking, and coordination. Some people may experience enlarged ventricles, which are spaces inside the brain that contain cerebrospinal fluid, as the surrounding brain tissue shrinks.
Cortical atrophy develops gradually over time. The rate of progression varies significantly between individuals and depends on the underlying cause. Medical professionals can detect cortical atrophy through brain imaging studies that measure cortical thickness and subcortical volume. These measurements are often compared to normative models to identify negative deviations that indicate atrophy.
Understanding cortical atrophy is important because it helps doctors diagnose and monitor neurodegenerative diseases. When someone shows signs of cognitive decline or neurological problems, brain imaging can reveal whether cortical atrophy is present and help determine the underlying cause. Early detection may allow for earlier intervention and better management of symptoms.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_system_atrophy
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20484-x
https://smart.dhgate.com/brain-shrinkage-atrophy-causes-symptoms-and-what-to-do/
https://www.myalzteam.com/resources/what-is-mild-cognitive-impairment
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/478010/what-is-the-management-plan-for-mild-global-cortical
