A term used in medicine and neuropsychology to refer to the natural deterioration or degradation of cells, tissues, or organs that occurs due to internal or genetic factors, rather than external influences such as infections or injuries. Unlike dystrophy, which involves a metabolic disorder in cells, abiotrophy describes the process of gradual destruction or loss of functionality of cells or tissues without obvious external causes. This process can be associated with genetic disorders or aging and is seen in various neurological diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, where brain cells gradually lose their functions. An example is the secondary abiotrophy of neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.