Parkinson’s Disease
Overview
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a gradually worsening neurological condition marked by shaking, rigidity, and impaired movement. The disease is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who described it in 1817. The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown.
However, it is known that disruptions in dopamine metabolism play an essential role in the condition. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. As dopamine-producing cells die, the characteristic symptoms of PD arise. Some factors, such as genetic mutations, toxins, inflammation, and stress, may also increase the risk of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PD may include tremors in the hands, legs, and jaw, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, impaired coordination and balance, worsening memory and concentration, as well as depression and anxiety. PD symptoms can vary among individuals and may gradually deteriorate over time (Bloem et al., 2021).
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are medications that help manage its symptoms. Some of these medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, reducing tremors and muscle stiffness. Other drugs can help control depression and anxiety. Additionally, physical exercise, talk therapy, and other rehabilitation methods can help people with PD maintain their independence and quality of life.
Prevalence and Statistics
Parkinson’s disease is more common in older people but can also occur in younger individuals. Due to the impairment of motor functions and possible psychological problems such as depression and anxiety, Parkinson’s disease can seriously affect the lives of patients and their families. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide (Bloem et al., 2021).
Every year, around 6.1 million new cases of PD are reported (Bloem et al., 2021). In the United States, Parkinson’s disease affects about 1 million people, while in Europe, it affects about 1.2 million people (Bloem et al., 2021). The average age of onset of the disease is 60 years, but it can occur in younger individuals. Moreover, men are about twice as likely as women to have PD.
Summary
In conclusion, Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, muscle stiffness, and decreased movement. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, but dopamine metabolism dysfunction plays a vital role in its development. Symptoms can vary among different individuals and may worsen over time. Despite the lack of a cure, there are medications and rehabilitation methods that can help control Parkinson’s symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease worldwide emphasizes the importance of further research and the development of new treatment methods.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Overview
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common causes of dementia in older people. The disease is named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and neurologist who first described the characteristic changes in the brain of a patient who died of dementia in 1906 (Scheltens et al., 2021). The accumulation of a protein substance called beta-amyloid inside and between neurons, as well as the accumulation of tau protein inside neurons, is considered the cause of AD. These proteins form plaques and tangles that interfere with regular communication between neurons and cause their death.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of AD are memory loss, impaired thinking, planning, and orientation, changes in personality and behavior, and speech problems. AD patients may also suffer from insomnia, depression, and apathy.
Treatment
Currently, AD treatment is limited to symptomatic measures. Drugs that improve cognitive function, antidepressants, and anxiolytics are used to reduce anxiety and enhance the mood of patients (Scheltens et al., 2021). Various programs and rehabilitation measures also aim to maintain patients’ quality of life.
Prevalence and Statistics
AD affects aging and older people, as it is mainly a disease of older individuals. The condition not only deteriorates patients’ quality of life but also significantly impacts their families and loved ones who are forced to care for them. The incidence statistics of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) indicate that it is one of the most common causes of dementia worldwide. According to the WHO, about 50 million people with dementia worldwide in 2020, of whom about 60-70% had AD (Scheltens et al., 2021). It is expected that the number of AD patients will continue to increase in the coming decades due to the increasing life expectancy of the population.
Dementia
Overview
Dementia is a condition of cognitive function decline that can affect memory, thinking, orientation, communication, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Various factors, including diseases, injuries, genetic disorders, and metabolic disorders, can cause it (Livingston et al., 2020).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, changes in personality, disorientation in space and time, changes in behavior, and decreased ability to perform daily tasks. Other symptoms may include difficulties in communication and understanding language.
Treatment
The treatment for dementia depends on its cause. Medication, psychotherapy, or physical rehabilitation may sometimes be used (Livingston et al., 2020). Supporting and caring for the patient and their loved ones is also essential. Dementia can significantly impact aging and elderly individuals. It can worsen the quality of life and increase dependence on others. It can also lead to depression and other mental disorders.
Prevalence and Statistics
The World Health Organization reports that approximately 50 million individuals around the globe are affected by dementia. Every year, about 10 million new cases of dementia are reported. Over 60% of dementia cases occur in people over 65 (Livingston et al., 2020). It is expected that in the coming years, the number of people with dementia will continue to grow, creating serious challenges for public health and healthcare systems.
References
Bloem, B. R., Okun, M. S., & Klein, C. (2021). Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet, 397(10291), 2284–2303. Web.
Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C., Costafreda, S. G., Dias, A., Fox, N., Gitlin, L. N., Howard, R., Kales, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Larson, E. B., Ogunniyi, A., … Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of The Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. Web.
Scheltens, P., De Strooper, B., Kivipelto, M., Holstege, H., Chételat, G., Teunissen, C. E., Cummings, J., & van der Flier, W. M. (2021). Alzheimer’s disease. The Lancet, 397(10284), 1577–1590. Web.