Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases

Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are two of the most commonly discussed neurodegenerative diseases that affect the elderly population. Alzheimer’s is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior and other cognitive functions, whereas Parkinson’s affects the nervous system, causing difficulty with movement, including trembling, difficulty walking and trembling. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases is not known, although genetics and environmental factors are thought to play roles in their development. In particular, research has shown that Alzheimer’s is likely passed on through familial history, and environmental factors, such as highly toxic exposure, are connected to cases of Parkinson’s. Other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, have been found to increase the risk of developing either Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Though the causes of these diseases are not yet fully understood, scientists are continuing to investigate potential treatments and preventive measures. For Alzheimer’s, current treatments aim to slow down the progression of the disease, while those for Parkinson’s have focused on alleviating symptoms. Scientists have also been looking into ways of preventing and delaying the onset of both diseases. The Alzheimer’s Association has currently identified risk reduction strategies, which include healthier eating, exercise, mental stimulation, and proper management of medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. As medical technology advances, more research is being conducted to better understand Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and to find possible treatments for them. Both diseases share many of the same risk factors, and progress differently for each individual.