"Fuzzy Brain" Disease
Lizigongi is a deterioration of the cognitive abilities commonly associated with aging.
Causes
Lizigongi is caused by the breakdown of synaptic connections in the brain. This often occurs as part of the natural aging process, but can also be induced by external factors such as being exposed to high levels of radiation.
Symptoms
Afflicted persons struggle with loss of concentration as well as loss of short- and long-term memory. In later stages, sensoric and motoric abilities decline as well, up to the point when the patient's organs cease to function properly. Terminal cases literally forget how to breathe.
Treatment
The disease was without a cure for most of Rul history. However, the Rilsu discovered an effective treatment a few generations ago.
The treatment consists of two parts:
- Gene Therapy: The genes which control the production of certain brain chemicals need to be repaired to ensure a sufficient level of those elements which protect the neurons from deteriorating.
- Cognitive Training: While it is impossible to restore the damaged neurons, once the disease has been contained it is possible to re-learn lost skills and knowledge.
Prognosis
Before the development of the required gene therapy, the disease would slowly destroy the patient's cognitive abilities and eventually lead to organ failure.
However, now that a treatment exists, it is possible to nip the neural decomposition in the bud. Most patients respond well to the treatment and can make a full recovery.
Affected Groups
The disease used to affect mainly elderly people past the grandparent age, or mining workers who had to spend extended periods of time on Mustik Kogli.
Prevention
Radiation-induced cases can be prevented by taking precautions against high exposure. Nevertheless, the genes that control the involved brain chemistry deteriorate naturally over the course of a Rul's life.
Cultural Reception
The prospect of developing Lizigongi used to overshadow the later years of most people's lives, especially of those whose family had a history of the disease. Victims were treated with care and compassion to ease their suffering.
Nowadays, the disease is barely considered a nuisance anymore.
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