Which progressive neurological disease involves degeneration of the myelin surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord?

Which progressive neurological disease involves degeneration of the myelin surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Alzheimer's disease
• B. Multiple sclerosis
• C. Parkinson's disease
• D. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer: (B)

Demyelinating disease of the central nervous system involves the loss or damage of myelin around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, which slows or disrupts the transmission of electrical signals. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin, creating patches of demyelination called plaques. These plaques interrupt conduction along affected pathways, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision problems, coordination issues, and cognitive changes. The disease can progress as more myelin is lost, producing a gradual worsening of function over time. Other options describe conditions that primarily involve neuron loss or dysfunction rather than demyelination of CNS white matter, such as Alzheimer's disease (cortical neuron loss and protein aggregates), Parkinson's disease (dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neuron degeneration).

Demyelinating disease of the central nervous system involves the loss or damage of myelin around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, which slows or disrupts the transmission of electrical signals. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin, creating patches of demyelination called plaques. These plaques interrupt conduction along affected pathways, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, vision problems, coordination issues, and cognitive changes. The disease can progress as more myelin is lost, producing a gradual worsening of function over time. Other options describe conditions that primarily involve neuron loss or dysfunction rather than demyelination of CNS white matter, such as Alzheimer's disease (cortical neuron loss and protein aggregates), Parkinson's disease (dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neuron degeneration).