Exam 6 Alzheimers & Parkinsons

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory and thinking.

Alzheimer’s Prevalence

Affects about 6 million people in the U.S., with risk increasing sharply after age 65.

Alzheimer’s Gender Difference

Around two-thirds of diagnosed cases occur in women.

Alzheimer’s Origin

First described in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer in patient Auguste Deter.

Alzheimer’s Risk Types

About 98% of cases are sporadic; roughly 2% are caused by inherited mutations.

Genetic Risk Example

APOE variants increase likelihood of developing the disease but do not guarantee it.

Lifestyle Influences

Exercise, cardiovascular health, sleep, and diet may lower risk.

Alzheimer’s Progression

Moves from preclinical changes to mild cognitive impairment and then to worsening dementia.

Hallmark Symptoms

Memory loss, confusion, language difficulties, and impaired judgment.

Navigation Problems

Occur due to degeneration of the hippocampus, affecting spatial awareness.

Amyloid Plaques

Toxic clumps of misfolded amyloid-beta protein that build up outside neurons.

Tau Tangles

Twisted tau proteins inside neurons that disrupt function and lead to cell death.

Imaging Findings

MRI shows brain shrinkage, especially in the hippocampus.

Diagnostic Challenge

Early Alzheimer’s can look similar to normal aging, making diagnosis difficult.

Alzheimer’s Prognosis

Progressive and fatal; current treatments only manage symptoms and do not stop the disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects movement.

Parkinson’s Prevalence

Affects about 1% of people over age 60 worldwide.

Parkinson’s Onset

Usually begins around age 60; early-onset occurs in 5–10% of cases.

Parkinson’s Core Mechanism

Caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Lewy Bodies

Clumps of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein found inside affected neurons.

Primary Motor Symptoms

Bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability.

Other Motor Features

Small handwriting, reduced facial expression, and soft or quiet speech.

Early Non-Motor Signs

Loss of smell, constipation, and REM sleep behavior disorder may appear years before motor symptoms.

Later Non-Motor Symptoms

Depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline that can develop into Parkinson’s dementia.

Parkinson’s Progression

Symptoms typically begin on one side and gradually worsen over decades.

Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Based on clinical symptoms and improvement with levodopa; no definitive lab test.

Levodopa Treatment

Most effective medication that increases dopamine levels to improve movement.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Surgical procedure that reduces motor symptoms when medications are insufficient.

Parkinson’s Prognosis

Incurable but manageable; treatment improves quality of life even as symptoms progress.