Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects more than 5 million people in the United States and results in 60,000 deaths per year. A degenerative brain disorder in which neurons progressively die leading to loss of memory and intellectual function. Affects more than 5 million people in the United States and results in 60,000 deaths per year. The early onset and gradual progression of the disease make it difficult to diagnose. Alzheimer’s disease is characterised by two abnormal structures in the brain- plaques and tangles. Plaques are deposits of a protein called beta amyloid that form outside of neurons. Tangles are twisted fibres of a protein called tau that form inside neurons. The combination of plaques and tangles disrupts communication between neurons and eventually leads to their death.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, impaired judgement, problems with abstract thinking, mood and behaviour changes, and difficulty with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. As the disease progresses, patients may become completely dependent on others for care.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease usually involve forgetfulness and problems with thinking, planning, and language. As the disease progresses, people lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. They may become anxious or agitated, especially when they don’t know where they are or why. In its final stages, patients lose all ability to care for themselves- even to swallow food or control bladder function. Most die within one year after symptoms begin.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments can relieve some symptoms. Early diagnosis allows time for health professionals to prescribe medications that slow down the course of the disease early on before more damage occurs in the brain. Patients generally require long term care as the progress of the disease continues.

One Alzheimer’s pill, known as Aricept works by increasing certain neurotransmitters in the brain and keeping them from breaking down too quickly. Another prescription drug called Namenda helps with memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s . Non-prescription supplements such as vitamin E may help reduce some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed to be conclusive. Researchers are studying a number of drugs currently being developed that may slow or stop Alzheimer’s disease. In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder characterised by loss of neuronal function and leads to death within one year after symptoms begin. While there is no cure for this illness it can be managed through early diagnosis and treatment with medications that slow the progression of the disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops when cells in the brain that produce dopamine die or become impaired. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person, but may include tremors, slowed movements, stiffness, and balance problems. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications and therapies can help improve symptoms.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms. Medications such as levodopa (L-DOPA) and dopamine agonists can help increase dopamine levels in the brain and reduce symptoms. Therapies such as physical therapy and speech therapy can help those with the condition manage movement and balance difficulties.

Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia are often grouped together because they share some common symptoms. However, each condition is unique and requires different treatment approaches.

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain die or become impaired. This can lead to problems with balance, coordination, and walking. As the disease progresses, symptoms may also include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty speaking. There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications and therapies can help manage symptoms.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that damages the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Symptoms include memory loss and difficulties with problem-solving, speech, and comprehending written words. As the disease progresses, symptoms may also include changes in mood, behavior, and personality

Dementia (including Alzheimer’s Disease)
A dementia diagnosis typically refers to a group of brain disorders that cause problems with memory, thinking, and social skills severe enough to interfere with daily life activities. Dementia can be caused by head trauma or injury; certain infections such as HIV; exposure to toxins such as lead; early-onset Alzheimer’s disease; strokes; drug interactions or reactions; complications related to pregnancy or birth defects; multiple sclerosis (MS); rare genetic diseases such as fronto-temporal dementia; and more.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia. However, doctors may prescribe medications or recommend therapies to help manage symptoms and improve the lives of those with these conditions.