9.9 · Chronic problems: Parkinson & Alzheimer

Parkinson disease

Degeneration of the basal ganglia and loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra and corpus striatum

Parkinson disease epidemiology

Most common movement disorder, affecting 1-2% of those over 65; second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer disease

Parkinson disease etiology

Unknown, with genetic and environmental factors involved

Three cardinal symptoms of Parkinson disease

Resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity

Levodopa

Reduces Parkinson symptoms but produces other motor side effects

Alzheimer disease

Leading cause of dementia and one of the most common causes of severe cognitive dysfunction in older persons; most common type is late-onset

Alzheimer clinical manifestations

Initial forgetfulness and emotional upset, increasing memory loss and confusion, declining problem solving, language and math skills, and behavioural changes

Alzheimer pathology

Amyloid plaques form between neurons and protein tangles form within neurons, damaging and eventually destroying them

Brain regions affected in Alzheimer disease

Parietal and temporal lobes of the cortex

Alzheimer treatment

No cure; symptomatic treatment with compensatory devices, improved nutrition and health, and drugs boosting acetylcholine function temporarily