neurodevelopmental basis of neurodegenerative diseases

the human brain is composed of several interconnected, functionally distinct structures and much debate has surrounded the basic question of how these structures evolve. brain development begins in early gestation. between 4 weeks and 9 months, brain undergoes rapid development. there are six stages of nervous system development. brain increases connections between birth and 21 years of age. abnormalities in the neurodevelopmental phase of the nervous system are present in people with psychologic and neurologic diseases. structural brain abnormalities are an established feature of schizophrenia. these findings are important samples to gain further insight into some of these questions about the possibility of a nerodevelopmental basis for neurodegenerative diseases.