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WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE? More than one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson Disease. Although it might be slightly more predominant in males at younger ages, Parkinson disease affects men and women almost equally. Parkinson disease affects neurons in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra causing these neurons to die or become impaired. These neurons produce dopamine, which is the chemical messenger that allows the body's muscles and motor system to function normally. The loss of dopamine neurons results in the inability to control movements properly. There are four cardinal features of Parkinson disease:
Bradykinesia - slowness of movement Rigidity - stiffness Postural instability - impaired balance Symptoms of depression and anxiety may precede the onset of motor symptoms by many years. Parkinson disease is a slowly progressive disorder. Both the rate of progression and the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Today's research is focused on slowing the progression of PD. Although the cause of Parkinson disease still is not understood well, it is believed that there are four mechanisms involved. These mechanisms include oxidative stress, environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and accelerated aging. While diagnosis is still dependent on the clinical judgment of the physician and many of the earliest treatments continue to be used widely, new methods of diagnosis and treatment are emerging through research.
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Huntington’s disease, sometimes known as Huntington’s Chorea, is an inherited, progressive brain disease that affects approximately 30,000 Americans. Over the past 25 years, through the efforts of voluntary organizations, the scientific community, and families, this disease has become more widely known and understood. Most frequently the symptoms of HD occur between the ages of 30 and 45. HD can cause involuntary movements [chorea], cognitive difficulties, as well as emotional changes. It is important to know that there is much variation in symptoms and not every person experiences all the difficulties mentioned here. Although there is not yet a specific treatment that is effective for this condition, the most important feature in caring for a person with HD is to provide a supportive and caring environment, as well as accurate information. There are drugs that can be helpful in reducing individual symptoms, but none as yet that can change the course of the disease. A major breakthrough was made in 1993 when the gene associated with HD was discovered. Currently research is underway to slow or stop the progression of this neurodegenerative disease Web Resources: |
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Alzheimer (AHLZ-high-mer) disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects areas of the brain involved in memory, intelligence, judgment, language, and behavior. It is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia, in older adults. Alzheimer disease is more severe than the mild memory loss that many people experience as they grow older. It also affects behavior, personality, the ability to think clearly and the ability to carry out daily activities. Close family members something is wrong. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer disease, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight in to the biology of the disease. Research has also shown the effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life Web Resources: |
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