Integrative neuroscience. The search for early markers for neurodegenerative diseases prevention

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy has become the most important socio-economic achievement of our time, but, on the other hand, it has led to an increase in the number of age-related diseases that occur with cognitive deficits. Dementia, and its most common form - Alzheimer's disease, has become one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century and is now considered to be the public health crisis. Therefore, the search for new epigenetic markers of neurodegenerative diseases, the identification of risk groups of people with pre-dementia cognitive disorders (PDCDs) and the development of protocols for their prevention is actual medical and social problem. Materials and methods: Our study covered both - men and women (52 patients, age of 48±6 years)-remote workers with “office syndrome” (combined mild cognitive and somatic disorders). Methods of multi-level examination included neuropsychological, neurological tests and instrumental visualization to detect the cognitive sphere, emotional status, postural balance, cerebral metabolism and adaptation capacities of the brain. Main treatment goals were: to work out personalized rehabilitation programs for patients to restore self-regulation mechanisms, improve the cerebral metabolism and brain plasticity. Results: Clinical neurological examination revealed «tunnel» neurovascular disorders in cervical spine and postural displacement in all patients. Neuro-energo-cartography (NEC) method of visualization indicated cerebral acidosis and brain hypoxia in 64 % of patients. The programs of personalized correction of postural, neurovascular disturbances included methods of academic drug therapies and conventional therapies: connective - tissue techniques, osteopathy; postural and breathing gymnastics, technologies of intermitted hypoxia therapy. Recommendations in lifestyle modification were given. Conclusions: Neuroscience must become more interdisciplinary in order to identify the conditions for the normal brain functioning, the search for early markers of neurodegenerative diseases and motivate the patients to take personal responsibility of their own health.