Parkinson
What is Parkinson disease? The neurons or a nerve cell of human brain that controls muscle movement gets affected in this disease. The neurons that are responsible for making dopamine ether die or do not function right. Dopamine is needed to send signals for coordinated movements. There is no known reason for the damage. Some of the symptoms of this disorder are:
• Stiffness of arms, legs or trunk
• Sluggish movements
• Twitching or trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
• Lack of coordination and balance
With the progress of the disease, even simple tasks like walking or talking could become difficult for the patient. Sleep disorders, depression, problems of speech and difficulty in food intake can be noticed.
Usually Parkinson’s starts after 60 but at times it could start earlier. It is more commonly seen in men than women. No known cure for this disorder exists; however, there are a lot of medicines that could reduce the symptoms dramatically in certain cases.
Alzheimer
This brain disorder affects the memory, reasoning, imagination and takes away the power to learn. Unlike the slight forgetfulness in older people, those suffering from Alzheimer’s forget everything about themselves and people related to them. They could also suffer anxiety, depression and paranoia. There is no complete cure for Alzheimer’s but with current medicine, its pace could be decreased and symptoms reduced.
Senile plaques or abnormal clumps and neurofibrillary tangles or irregular knots are characteristics of Alzheimer’s. They attack the healthy brain tissue corrupting intellectual function. The reason for this is not known.
The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s, has over 4million people under its sway in the US alone. It is predicted that by the time baby boomers age the figure will rise to 14 million. It is spread all over and affects 10% or more of those over 65 and close to 50% of those over 85. The number of women with this disorder is slightly more than men. Epidemiologists have called Alzheimer’s “the disease of the century” due to it growing prevalence.
Although Alzheimer’s disease normally affects those who are above 65 years, there are aggressive forms of the disease that could affect people in the 40s and 50s. The progress of Alzheimer’s is gradual. It could take from3 years to two decades to progress from the earliest symptoms to death. On an average the disease takes 8 years. Usually death is the result of some secondary illness like pneumonia or urinary tract infection but not Alzheimer’s itself. Today the thrust is given to slowing the progress of this disease and coping with the symptoms.
Unfortunately, during the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s people are aware of their own intellectual difficulties and know what to expect. So it becomes of great essence to support them at this and all other stages with the help from doctor, social worker, or psychological counselor. Throughout they need love, care and nurturing. Give them a lot of tender loving care.