Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive mental disorder that brings about changes in the brain slowly leading to dementia. Here the brain cells degenerate and die thus causing a decline in the mental functioning and memory of a person. This kind of brain disorder causes loss of social and intellectual skills of a person. In severe cases it interferes with the day-to-day activities of a person.
Alzheimer’s disease causes
- Most scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused due to increase in production and accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid protein. The accumulation of this protein leads to nerve cell death.
- Environment factors that causes a change in the brain’s functioning can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease
- Genetic causes
- Head injury
- Lifestyle changes that causes change in the brain’s functioning can also lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
- Forgetfulness, unusual difficulty in remembering things
- Mild confusion
- Occasional memory lapse
- Disorientation day, date, etc.
- Problem with speaking and writing
- Problem in thinking and reasoning
- Decision making problems
- Depression, anxiety, mood swing and many such behavioral problems
- Problems with cognitive skills like calculating, judgment, etc
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
1. A physical examination and a neurological examination to check
- Muscle tone and strength
- Sense of touch and sight
- Reflexes
- Balance
- Coordination, etc.
2. Brain imaging (CT scans, MRI) to check for tumors, etc.
3. Lab tests for thyroid etc so as to rule out other possibilities for memory loss
Treating Alzheimer’s disease
- Drugs to deal with cognitive changes and memory symptoms
- Exercise
- Well balanced and nutritious food
- Life style changes that help deal with and improve the current condition
Parkinson’s disease
A disease relating to a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson’s disease leads to shaking/tremor and difficulty in movement, walking, coordination etc. As the disease progresses, it could lead to cognitive and behavioral problems. In its advanced stages, this disease could lead to dementia. Parkinson’s disease commonly occurs in people aged over 50. James Parkinson, a general practitioner in London was the first to describe the symptoms of the disease and thus the disease has taken the name Parkinson’s disease.
The disease progresses gradually, initial symptoms might be just a tremor in the hands. Slowly the disease leads to slowing or freezing of movements. There is no complete cure for the disease. However there are treatments that can handle the symptoms of the disease. Parkinson’s disease is also known as Parkinsonism.
Diagnosed as the most common movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease is classified into three types based on the age of onset of the disease
Juvenile Parkinson’s disease: Sets in before the age of 21. This kind is a rare occurrence.
Young-onset Parkinson’s disease: The disease sets in between the age of 21 and 40. Reportedly common in East Asian countries.
Adult-onset Parkinson’s disease: The most common and prevalent type of Parkinson’s disease, the disease sets in after the age of 60. The symptoms aggravate with advancing age.
Causes for Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease sets in usually after the age of 50 and affects both men and women.
- The major cause of Parkinson’s disease is attributed to the death of the dopamine-containing cells in the brain.
- Toxins present in the environment can also contribute to the death of dopamine cells in the brain thus causing the disease.
- Family history of the disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Tremor sets in from the hands and gradually spreads over to the rest of the body.
- Rigid muscles, stiffness in the muscles, this limits movement and induces pain.
- Loss of automatic movements like swinging arms, blinking.
- Slowed motion – The disease restricts the voluntary movement of the body.
- Change in speech – Few people speak in a monotone; few have soft or rapid speech based on the severity of the condition.
- Impaired posture and balance – There could be problems in the posture and balance of a person.
- Dementia – This usually occurs in the advanced stages of the disease.
The physician asks for the medical history of the patient and does a neurological examination of the patient. Hand co-ordination, walking, etc are assessed through neurological examination.
Treating Parkinson’s disease
- Medications to tackle the symptoms
- Physical therapy to increase muscle tone and strength
- Lifestyle changes like healthy diet, exercises, speech therapy, etc
- In a few cases surgery for deep brain stimulation, in this process they implant an electrode into the brain. This electrode in turn takes care of the stimulation of the brain.
Blood drug test
Blood drug tests are conducted to check for any traces of barbiturates or drug abuse. Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow as is the case with other blood tests. Blood drug tests are used to screen for presence of illegal drugs or overdose or poisoning. Drug abuse of substances such as cocaine, heroin as well as overdose of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, phencyclidine and codeine can be analyzed with a blood drug test. The presence of illegal drugs or drugs not prescribed for the person indicated by a blood drug test can be suggestive of illicit drug use. Blood drug tests are conducted to monitor drug abuse cases, delirium and dementia.
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