35.6: Nervous System Disorders

• 35.6A: Neurodegenerative Disorders

  Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are both neurodegenerative disorders characterized by loss of nervous system functioning.

• 35.6B: Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Autism and ADHD

  Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders that arise when nervous system development is disrupted. Neurodevelopmental disorders occur when the development of the nervous system is disturbed. There are several different classes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some, like Down Syndrome, cause intellectual deficits, while others specifically affect communication, learning, or the motor system. Some disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and ADHD disorder, have complex symptoms.

• 35.6C: Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Mental Illnesses

  Schizophrenia and depression are just two examples of mental illnesses caused by a disorder of the nervous system.

• 35.6D: Other Neurological Disorders

  Epilepsy and stroke are examples of neurological disorders that arise from malfunctions in the nervous system.