Nervous System Disorders: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, Stroke, TBI, TIA

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

A chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing a decline in thinking and memory over time.

What is the most common cause of dementia?

Alzheimer's Disease

What are the three stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

Early (mild), Middle (moderate), and Last (severe)

What are some early symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

Difficulty remembering names, forgetting where items are, and trouble staying organized.

What occurs in the middle stage of Alzheimer's Disease?

Increased difficulty remembering, trouble planning, and forgetting one's own address.

What are severe symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

Inability to live alone, unable to walk, sit up, or eat.

What is dementia?

A group of conditions causing a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, and daily activities due to brain cell damage.

What are common symptoms of dementia?

Memory loss, confusion, difficulty communicating, poor judgment, mood changes, and trouble recognizing people.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

A progressive neurological condition affecting the brain, characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells.

What are the five stages of Parkinson's Disease?

Mild symptoms, moderate symptoms, major turning point, significant decrease in movement, and most advanced state.

What are the key symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness), and postural instability.

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

A progressive nervous system disorder that damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and loss of function.

What is a key phrase to remember about ALS?

'ALS = Brain thinks, muscles shrink.'

What are common symptoms of ALS?

Muscle weakness, twitching, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and progressive paralysis.

What is a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)?

A stroke caused by a blockage of blood supply to part of the brain, leading to brain cell death.

What does the acronym 'FAST' stand for in stroke recognition?

F - Facial drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Slurred speech, T - Time of onset.

What is a concussion?

A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump to the head, leading to the brain moving rapidly within the skull.

What are common symptoms of a concussion?

Headache, blurred vision, nausea, sensitivity to light, and balance problems.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

An injury to the brain caused by a sudden blow, bump, or jolt, ranging from mild (concussion) to severe.

What are symptoms of a TBI?

Headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and mood changes.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often called a 'mini-stroke' with similar symptoms but no lasting damage.

What are the symptoms of a TIA?

Sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, vision changes, and severe headache.