Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Among the neurodegenerative conditions, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are the ones that manifest as the most common form of the disorder and affect millions of people across the globe. Though these two manifest independently, they do share a common characteristic because their evolution is progressive cell loss within the brain, with the resultant cognitive and motor decline in patients. It's a condition that requires an understanding for early diagnosis and treatment toward improving the quality of life among the patients.

Alzheimer's disease is the loss of memory and cognitive changes. It is well known that this disease is triggered by the deposition of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to failure in communication between neurons. As this damage heaps up with time, it results in losing memory and the inability to control everyday needs later due to disorientation and confusion. Alzheimer's is the most universal cause of dementia; it contributes around 60-80% cases of dementia worldwide.

On the other hand, Parkinson's is a disease mainly causing motor control disruption as a result of progressive destruction of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. Parkinson's produces a range of symptoms characterized by tremors, stiffness of the body, bradykinesia or slowness of movement, and a state of postural instability. Other features that tend to occur in more advanced states of the disease include cognitive impairment, mood disturbances, and sleep alterations.

Since the causes of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are not known, certain risk factors have been identified such as age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and exposure to environmental toxins. Indeed, these diseases are rampant in the elderly population, and early diagnosis is key to effective management and slowing the progression of the disease.

Huge strides have been made in the studies of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's over the past few years. In the case of Alzheimer's, experimental therapies attempt to decrease amyloid plaque deposition and tau pathology. Analogously, treatment for Parkinson's is still an attempt at restoring dopamine release from the background of either medications or levodopa and deep brain stimulation, which latterly facilitates motor symptoms.

More importantly, clinical research trials are ongoing and investigating various new therapeutic approaches: gene therapy, immunotherapy, and neuroprotective strategies aiming at delaying the progression of the disease or preventing the progression of the disease. Lifestyle interventions, such as physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, and diet, will be strongly recommended for support in sustaining brain health and the overall well-being.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases summarize the hard things which are the challenges posed to patients, families, and health service providers. Nonetheless, they can be tamed to improve the life of the victim through continued research and holistic management of treatment.