neurodegenerative disease
noun
variants
or neurodegenerative disorder
plural neurodegenerative diseases or neurodegenerative disorders
: a chronic progressive disease (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) that is characterized especially by the gradual deterioration or impaired function of neurons of the nervous system and especially the brain and that usually manifests later in life
Neurodegenerative diseases remain among the most complex and least understood conditions in modern medicine, with few effective treatments available for patients and families facing diagnoses …—
Columbian-Progress (Mississippi)
Columbian-Progress (Mississippi)… there is a link between repeated head impacts and long-term brain health consequences, like developing into neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.—Lindsay Starling, quoted in The Observer (London)
Lindsay Starling, quoted in The Observer (London)Huntington's is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that gradually deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities, often leading to death within 10 to 30 years of onset.—Katherine Gaither
Katherine GaitherExamples of neurodegenerative disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
All of this creates new pathways between the brain’s neurons, improving cerebral neuroplasticity and preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that a person needs to walk, talk, swallow and breathe, according to the ALS Assn.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
On May 16, Andrews appeared on CNN's The Story Is with Elex Michaelson and announced he had been diagnosed with the fatal neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in the fall of 2025.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Scientists have long believed that CSF helps flush out cellular waste that, if left to accumulate, is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to Drew.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Parkinson’s Disease by the Numbers Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the scope of it is significant.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
What to Know About Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Instead of focusing on the late-stage symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, the research initiative will investigate the root causes of cellular aging.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
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Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that a person needs to walk, talk, swallow and breathe, according to the ALS Assn.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
On May 16, Andrews appeared on CNN's The Story Is with Elex Michaelson and announced he had been diagnosed with the fatal neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in the fall of 2025.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Scientists have long believed that CSF helps flush out cellular waste that, if left to accumulate, is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to Drew.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
Parkinson’s Disease by the Numbers Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the scope of it is significant.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026
Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
What to Know About Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Instead of focusing on the late-stage symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, the research initiative will investigate the root causes of cellular aging.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neurodegenerative disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodegenerative%20disease. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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