What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease was initially named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician who was the first to detect cognitive function impairment. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative ailment characterized by cell death and actual brain shrinking or atrophy. It gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive abilities, as well as the capacity to do basic activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia, a broad term that includes behavioral and cognitive impairment that may limit your ability to operate as an AD patient.
The initial symptoms of the condition include forgetfulness about earlier events or encounters. Individuals with Alzheimer’s will develop significant memory loss and cannot do daily tasks as the disease advances. Eating habits, smoking, severe brain injury, diabetes, and other medical conditions, as well as genetic and environmental factors, increase the risk of developing this disorder.
Medications can temporarily alleviate or reduce the severity of symptoms. For a brief period, these medications may assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease in improving their functionality and keeping their liberty. Several programs and efforts are available to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s condition is a progressive neurological disorder. It was named after James Parkinson, an English neurosurgeon who discovered the illness initially. Parkinson’s disease, like Alzheimer’s, causes neuronal degeneration. Unlike Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease is defined by destroying neurons and synthesizing dopamine. Dopamine deficiency impairs brain function, leading to movement and muscular coordination difficulties.
Males are affected by Parkinson’s disease at a higher rate than females. It is most frequent in those above the age of 60. Despite this, around 10 percent of people are recognized before age 50. The actual causation of Parkinson’s disease is uncertain. Both hereditary and environmental factors might cause it. Viruses, according to a few experts, can induce Parkinson’s disease.
Decreased dopamine levels and norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter regulating dopamine, have been linked to Parkinson’s disorder. Lewy bodies, which are abnormal proteins, have also been discovered in the brains of Parkinson’s patients. Scientists are unsure what function, if any, Lewy bodies have in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease was titled after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German neuropathologist, while Parkinson’s disease was titled after English neurosurgeon James Parkinson.
- Alzheimer’s disease is triggered by a shortage of acetylcholine, while a loss of dopamine starts Parkinson’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia, whereas Parkinson’s disease causes permanent paralysis.
- Alzheimer’s disease may be managed with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and avoided by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, while Parkinson’s disease can be managed with continuous dopamine precursor and agonist medication.
- Alzheimer’s can sometimes be treated entirely with medicine and surgery, but Parkinson’s disease is incurable.
Comparison Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Diseases
| Parameters of Comparison | Alzheimer’s Disease | Parkinson’s Diseases |
| Definition | Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder involving brain shrinkage and central nervous system dysfunction. | Parkinson’s disease is a neurological ailment induced by nerve cell degeneration inside the substantia nigra, a brain area. |
| Causes | A mix of biological and environmental causes and an unhealthy way of life can cause Alzheimer’s disease. | A combination of inherited and environmental factors might cause Parkinson’s disease. |
| Symptoms | Alzheimer’s symptoms include memory problems, difficulty doing everyday chores, uncertainty, difficulty identifying words, etc. | Trembling, body stiffness, delayed movement, decreased balance and coordination, depression, trouble swallowing and chewing, and speech problems. |
| Treatment | Cholinesterase inhibitors are being utilized to treat Alzheimer’s disease. | Parkinson’s disease is treated with dopamine precursors that are administered continually. |
| Average Life Expectancy | The usual life expectancy after a diagnosis is 4 to 8 years; however, some patients can survive for up to 20 years. | Parkinson’s disease does not shorten a person’s life expectancy, although it might make them more vulnerable to infections or collapses. |