Alzheimer's Disease vs. Parkinson's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease vs. Parkinson’s disease

Ariel Jones

South University

Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are linked together but however, they are not. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are completely different illnesses. Although, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease do have similarities, they are treated totally different. There have different risk factors, symptoms and the type of people it affect.

Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are both neurodegenerative, which means “the neurons in the brain become damaged and die during the course of the disease” (Chang, 2012) and onset later in life, usually after the age of 50. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are progressive, which means they gets worst over time. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease in the late stages can lead to dementia. “Dementia is not a disease, it is a general term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that is associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills.” (What is Dementia, n.d.). Alzheimer’s disease have a two out of three chance of developing dementia while Parkinson’s disease have a smaller portion of developing dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s medication treatments are most beneficial when catching them in the early or middle stages. There is also no cure for both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is mainly a movement disorder that could lead to memory problems and dementia. Parkinson’s disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is needed to control movements and coordination. “It is estimated that it takes a 60-80% loss of these dopaminergic neurons before symptoms become outwardly apparent.” (Chang, 2012). The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are resting tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movements and impaired coordination, loss of automatic movements, speech...