Question

What is Parkinson’s disease and how does it differ from Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 1

PARKINSON'S DISEASE :

In this disease there is gradual degeneration of dopamine releasing neurones in the extrapyramidal system. This leads to lack of control and coordination of muscle movement resulting in :

• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and difficulty initiating movements.
• Fixed muscle tone causing expressionless facial feautures, rigidity of voluntary muscles causing the slow and characteristics stiff shuffling gait and stooping posture.
• Muscle tremor of extremities that usually begins in one hand, e.g. 'pill rolling' movement of the fingers.

Onset is usually between 45 - 60 years. The causes is usually unknown but some cases are associated with the repeated traumas as in e.g. 'Punch drunk' boxers, tumours causing midbrain compression, drugs, e.g. Phenothiazines, heavy metal poisoning. There is progressive physical disability but the intellect is not impaired.

Whereas Alzheimer is the condition which is the commonest form of dementia in developed countries. The etiology is idiopathic however, genetic factors may be involved. Females are affected twice as often as males and it usually affects those over 60 years of age, the incidence increases with age. There is progressive atrophy of the cerebral cortex accompanied by deteriorating mental functioning. Death usually occurs between 2 and 8 years after onset.