What is brain atrophy?

What is brain atrophy?

People with brain atrophy, also called cerebral atrophy, lose brain cells (neurons), and connections between their brain cells and brain volume often decreases. This loss can lead to problems with thinking, memory and performing everyday tasks. The greater the loss, the more impairment someone has.

There are two types of brain atrophy:

• Focal: Damage occurs in one area of your brain.
• Generalized: Damage expands to your entire brain.