What is Myelin and how does Myelin depletion affect brain function?

What is myelin? Myelin is a sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the nervous system, acting as an insulating layer, helping to speed up signal transmission between nerve cells. Research on myelin and measures to protect this important covering is one of the potential approaches in preventing neurological decline in old age. The article below will delve into the issue of the role of myelin in nerve cells and what is the function of the brain?

1. What is the role of myelin in nerve cells and brain function?

Myelin plays an important role in nerve cell activity and brain function. Below are the roles main role of white matter myelin:

1.1 Increase the speed of nerve signal transmission

Myelin acts as an insulating layer around the nerve cell’s axon, allowing electrical signals to travel faster and more efficiently. As a signal travels along a myelinated nerve fiber, it “jumps” through gaps in the axon, called “nodes of Ranvier,” instead of having to travel the entire length of the fiber. This helps increase transmission speed many times compared to unmyelinated nerve fibers.

1.2 Protect and support nerve cells

The myelin layer protects nerve fibers from damage, helping to maintain stability and sustainability of the nervous system. It acts as a protective cushion, helping to limit negative impacts from the external environment and keep nerve cells operating stably.

1.3 Maintain the accuracy of nerve signals

Myelin helps prevent signals from “leaking” or mistransmitting between nerve fibers, ensuring signals reach the right place without confusion. This is especially important for complex functions such as cognition, memory and motor coordination.

1.4 Supports the development and maintenance of brain function

During childhood development, myelination (the process of forming a myelin layer) takes place strongly and is an important factor in perfecting motor, language and cognitive skills. In adults, the process of maintaining and regenerating myelin helps ensure stable nerve function, contributing to maintaining memory, concentration and quick thinking.

1.5 Involves higher cognitive activities

Myelin is also involved in higher cognitive activities, especially the ability to learn and remember long-term. The quality and integrity of the myelin layer directly affects the brain’s ability to process and store information.

1.6 Impact when Myelin is reduced

When the myelin layer is damaged as in multiple sclerosis, the transmitted signal will be interrupted or slowed down, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of balance, difficulty in coordination, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. This shows the importance of the myelin layer in maintaining stable and effective brain function.

In general, myelin is an essential element that helps the nervous system function smoothly and ensures brain function at the highest level. Protecting and maintaining the myelin layer can help slow down neurodegeneration and maintain cognitive ability and mental health when aging .

2. At what age does myelin loss occur? What condition? Why? 

What is demyelination? Myelin degradation often begins to occur as the body ages, especially after age 40, and can become more severe from age 60 onwards. This decline processy is part of the natural aging process and is also linked to some neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and some autoimmune disorders. Below are the causes and contributing factors that lead to myelin depletion:

2.1 Natural aging process

As the body ages, oligodendrocyte cells – cells responsible for creating myelin – lose their ability to function. This leads to the myelin layer gradually weakening and degenerating. Aging also reduces the ability of the myelin layer to repair and regenerate itself, making the brain more susceptible to other factors that cause neurodegeneration.

2.2 Neurological diseases and autoimmune disorders

Some diseases directly damage the myelin layer, most commonly multiple sclerosis – an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin layer, causing inflammation and nerve damage. In addition, diseases such as acute myelogenous leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can also be related to myelin depletion due to dysfunction or death of nerve cells.

2.3 Impact of stress and chronic inflammation

Prolonged stress and chronic inflammation can cause overproduction of free radicals and inflammatory cytokines, leading to damage to the myelin layer. Prolonged inflammation causes gradual nerve damage and can impair myelin’s ability to protect and repair itself.

2.4 Unhealthy diet and lifestyle

Nutritional deficiencies, especially those in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, can negatively affect the production and maintenance of myelin. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and excessive consumption of harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco also contribute to myelin deterioration.

2.5 Heredity and genetic mutations

Some genetic factors can affect the body’s ability to produce and protect myelin. Gene mutations related to myelin-producing cells or the proteins that make up myelin may make some people more susceptible to demyelination.

2.6 Impact of myelin depletion on neurological function

When myelin declines, nerve signals travel more slowly and ineffectively, causing symptoms such as loss of balance, reduced information processing speed, impaired memory, and decreased ability to concentrate. In more severe cases, myelin depletion can cause movement disorders and severe cognitive impairment.

Overall, white matter demyelination is a natural process in aging, but can be accelerated by medical factors and unhealthy lifestyles. By maintaining a scientific and scientific lifestyle By controlling risk factors, we can slow the process of myelin deterioration, thereby protecting nerve function and brain health.

3. How does myelin depletion affect brain function?

What is white matter demyelination? Myelin depletion seriously affects the function of the brain and nervous system. Myelin acts as an insulating layer, helping to transmit signals quickly and effectively between nerve cells, so when myelinn decline, the speed and efficiency of signal transmission are also significantly reduced. This leads to delays in processing information, makes it difficult to concentrate, and reduces the ability to think complexly. Demyelination also affects the ability to coordinate movements, interrupting signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles, causing loss of balance, muscle weakness and problems with movement control. In addition, brain areas related to memory and cognition are also affected, leading to memory loss, difficulty learning, and reduced problem-solving ability. Myelin depletion also contributes to an increased risk of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, while also reducing the brain’s natural ability to recover after damage. In general, myelin depletion causes many negative consequences for brain health and quality of life, reducing performance at work and daily activities.

In summary, myelin is an essential component of the nervous system, playing an important role in increasing the speed and efficiency of signal transmission between nerve cells, protecting and supporting brain activity. Myelin degradation, whether due to natural aging or neurological diseases, leads to marked negative effects, affecting cognition, memory, and movement, while increasing the risk of suffer from psychological disorders. Understanding the role of myelin and the factors that affect its deterioration helps us take measures to prevent and protect nerve health, maintaining brain function at the best level when aging.

Reference source: medlineplus.gov, my.clevelandclinic.org, mayoclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com