In the US alone, more than 1 million individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease.
This neurological disorder, one of the most common in the world, affects the brain’s motor system. It also impacts movement, balance, and posture.
In recent years, the rate of new diagnoses has increased significantly. But we often fail to realize that Parkinson’s is not the only neurological disorder linked to an increased risk of premature motor degeneration. The same for Alzheimer’s. Their symptoms and respective life expectancies vary.
Understand the distinctions between Parkinson’s vs Alzheimer’s below. Keep reading!
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It affects the motor system.
The symptoms generally come on over time. Dementia, depression, and anxiety are common in PD. PD is also the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
In the early stages of AD, people may experience mild memory problems. As the disease progresses, they may have difficulty remembering recent events, retaining new information, and making decisions.
People with AD may also experience changes in mood and behavior. It is a progressive and fatal disease. There is no current cure for AD, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms
Tremors, rigidity, slow movement, and poor balance are all signs of Parkinson’s disease. Memory loss and difficulties creating new memories are among Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Additionally, they have trouble communicating and using language. Further, it alters mood and conduct.
Causes
The cause of Parkinson’s is not yet known. It believes in involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is caused by a build-up of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain.
Age
Parkinson’s vs Alzheimer’s are both degenerative neurological diseases. Parkinson’s affects people over 60, while Alzheimer’s is more common in people aged 65 and over.
Parkinson’s is also more likely to affect men than women, while Alzheimer’s affects both sexes.
Treatment
Parkinson’s vs Alzheimer’s treatments are quite different. Alzheimer’s guide helps you how to treat with medication, therapy, and sometimes surgery. It also explains it helps slow the disease’s progression and improve the quality of life.
However, Parkinson’s guide assists in symptom relief and life quality enhancement. Surgery and medicines used to treat Parkinson’s.
You should also take time to learn all about Parkinson’s care for more advice on how to select the most effective therapy.
Prevent Parkinson’s vs Alzheimer’s Starting Today
If you or a loved one are showing signs of either Parkinson’s vs Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to seek medical help. In contrast, there are similarities between the two diseases but also crucial differences.
Parkinson’s explained that it generally affects movement. So, Alzheimer’s explained it causes problems with memory and thinking. Parkinson’s also tends to develop later in life than Alzheimer’s. If you’re concerned about either disease, talk to your doctor.
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