<p>Degenerative nerve diseases affect many of your body's activities, such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function. Many of these diseases are genetic. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumor, or a stroke. Other causes may include toxins, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes the cause is unknown.</p> <p>Degenerative nerve diseases include:</p><ul> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/alzheimersdisease.html">Alzheimer's disease</a></li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis.html">Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/friedreichataxia.html">Friedreich ataxia</a></li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/huntingtonsdisease.html">Huntington's disease</a></li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lewybodydementia.html">Lewy body disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/parkinsonsdisease.html">Parkinson's disease</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spinalmuscularatrophy.html">Spinal muscular atrophy</a></li> </ul> <p>Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life-threatening. It depends on the type. Most of them have no cure. Treatments may help improve symptoms, relieve pain, and increase mobility.</p>