[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-related\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-related\/","headline":"Are Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s Related","name":"Are Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s Related","description":"Watching our loved ones grow older and develop memory loss can be a heartwrenching and challenging experience. Memory loss can […]","datePublished":"2022-05-09","dateModified":"2022-05-09","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","width":432,"height":130},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-related\/","about":["Alzheimer's Disease","Parkinson's Disease"],"wordCount":841,"articleBody":"Watching our loved ones grow older and develop memory loss can be a heartwrenching and challenging experience. Memory loss can result from a variety of conditions that affect the brain\u2019s functionality.If you\u2019re caregiving for an elderly family member, you may have already heard of Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s disease. Both Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s are disorders of the brain that disrupt how it processes information.Damage to the brain from these conditions can affect how nerve cells work, leading to:Memory lossConfusionDifficulties managing daily lifeIssues with movement and balanceIssues with cognitive functionBehavioral changesA need for additional care and supportTypically, Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s disease are considered different diseases; however, some common clinical and neuropathologic factors can result in the overlapping of these 2 conditions.What is Parkinson\u2019s Disease?Parkinson\u2019s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, with symptoms that appear gradually and worsen over time. As the condition progresses, patients may experience difficulties with:BalanceCoordinationWalkingTalkingMental and behavioral changesSleepDepressionMemory lossFatigueParkinson\u2019s disease affects about 50% more men than women, and most people develop this condition in their early 60s. Early-onset Parkinson\u2019s is typically inherited, and studies have linked this form to certain types of genetic mutations.What Causes Parkinson\u2019s Disease?Parkinson\u2019s disease generally affects and impairs the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain\u2019s substantia nigra. This damage leads to a decrease in dopamine production, affecting movement and coordination.This condition may also affect other neurotransmitters responsible for regulating functions like sweating, digestion, energy levels, and blood pressure.Symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s DiseaseParkinson\u2019s disease has 4 main symptoms:Trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or headBody stiffnessSlow movementsImpaired balance and coordinationOther symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s can include:Emotional and behavioral changesDepressionDifficulties chewing and swallowingTrouble speakingIssues with bowelsDifficulty sleepingThe progression of this disease can affect each person differently, and sometimes early symptoms are dismissed as the effects of the normal aging process.TreatmentsThere is currently no cure for Parkinson\u2019s disease, but there are some medicines and therapies that can help alleviate symptoms.What is Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?Alzheimer\u2019s disease is a condition that causes the death of brain cells, resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. Memory loss can range from mild to moderate impairment, with later stages developing into severe cognitive decline.People with Alzheimer\u2019s experience difficulties remembering events, reasoning, and recognizing familiar people or places. Patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease require 24-hour support and memory care in later stages.What Causes Alzheimer\u2019s Disease?Alzheimer\u2019s presents as plaque in the brain, resulting in a loss of connection between nerve cells and neurons in parts of the brain that store memory, like the hippocampus.This widespread destruction of cells creates difficulties passing information between different areas of the brain, or between the brain and other parts of the body.Symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s DiseaseSymptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease can include memory loss, and:Difficulties in learning and remembering informationRepeating questionsLosing objectsWandering or getting lost in familiar placesReduced understanding of safety and risksDifficulties making decisionsLoss of balanceLack of spatial awarenessDifficulties speakingTroubles with reading and writingChanges to personalityFeeling irritated or restlessCompulsive or obsessive behaviorSocially inappropriate behaviorIn the later stages of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, patients require 24-hour support and care.TreatmentsThere is currently no cure for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, but treatments and supports are available to help improve the quality of life for someone with this condition.People with memory loss often benefit from the 24-hour specialized care provided by a memory support facility. Memory support communities offer personalized programs with a specific focus on cognitive abilities and memory enhancement.Is There a Link?Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s disease are both progressive brain disorders affecting memory, coordination, and communication. Still, studies have not found any links, and there are a few significant differences between these 2 conditionsThe onset is different: Parkinson\u2019s disease typically begins with movement and coordination issues, and Alzheimer\u2019s generally presents with confusion and memory loss.These conditions affect the brain differently: Parkinson\u2019s-related dementia results from abnormal alpha-synuclein deposits (common brain proteins). In Alzheimer\u2019s disease, brain changes result from abnormal structures created by amyloid plaques.Cognitive symptoms are different: At the onset of symptoms, Alzheimer\u2019s disease typically affects language and memory, whereas Parkinson\u2019s affects mood, speed of thought, and problem-solving.\u00a0Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s disease share a few common symptoms, but there does not appear to be any links, studies, or evidence between these 2 conditions.Support When You Need itWe\u2019re always available to help! If you know someone with Parkinson\u2019s or Alzheimer\u2019s disease that needs additional support, contact our knowledgeable staff at Fox Trail Memory Care. We offer tailored memory support services, and are passionate about improving the quality of life for seniors."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Are Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s Related","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/are-parkinsons-and-alzheimers-related\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]