Which condition is characterized by the degeneration of the myelin sheath?

The condition characterized by the degeneration of the myelin sheath is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This demyelination disrupts the ability of nerves to conduct electrical impulses efficiently, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, which can include fatigue, difficulty walking, and problems with coordination and balance.

As the disease progresses, the loss of myelin can result in permanent damage to the underlying nerve fibers. The symptoms can vary widely among individuals, as different areas of the nervous system may be affected. This process of damaging the myelin sheath is a hallmark of Multiple Sclerosis, distinguishing it from other conditions that do not specifically involve myelin degeneration.

In contrast, Tay-Sachs Disease affects the central nervous system by causing a deficiency in an enzyme that leads to the accumulation of harmful substances, but it does not primarily involve myelin degeneration. Schwannoma is a type of tumor that typically arises from Schwann cells, which produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system, and does not inherently involve the degeneration of myelin. Astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor originating from astrocytes, a type of glial cell,