Transcript Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s Disease

Alzheimer’s
and
Parkinson’s
Disease
Anastastasiya Smirnova
Alma Shehu
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia
that gets worse over time. The disease is irreversible and
progressive that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
First symptoms of Alzheimer’s can appear before age 60.
There are several stages of the disease: Pre-dementia, early,
moderate and advance.
Symptoms include such as
difficulties in remembering
certain events, confusion,
mood changes,
aggression, problems with
communication, memory
loss, withdrawn from
family and friends. As the
disease progress bodily
functions are lost which
leads to death.
Causes of Alzheimer’s disease not known, but some hypothesis exist.
Genetics, reduced levels of synthesis of Acetylcholine or plaque
accumulation of abnormally packed proteins in the brain were proposed
by scientists.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease only symptoms management.
Treatment
Cholinesterase inhibitors increase levels of acetylcholine in the
brain. Most commonly prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
disease.
Aricept (Donepezil) (most commonly prescribed and FDA
approved to use for all stages of Alzheimer’s disease)
Exelon (Rivastigmine)
Razadyne (Galantamine)
Cognex (less prescribed).
These drugs slow progression of disease for up to 12 months.
Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressing neurologic movement
disorder that leads to disability. This disease prevalent more in men
than women. Symptoms start to appear as early as age 50. There are
three early signs of Parkinson’s disease: tremor of a hand or leg on one
side, resistance to move a joint and serious or somber facial
expression known as “masked face”.
Symptoms include such as tremors, rigidity of limbs, abnormally slow
movements, trouble sleeping, walking, depression, personality
changes and confusion.
Causes of Parkinson’s disease unknown, but scientists propose some
contributing factors such as low production of dopamine, genetics,
head trauma, some drug side effects, environmental factors such as
pollution and toxins in water.
Treatment directed to control symptoms and help patients to function
independently. Medications help to slow loss of dopamine in the brain and
improve symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Levodopa( L-dopa) most commonly prescribed. Transported into the brain and
than converted in to dopamine neurotransmitters.
Sinemet made of levodopa and carbidoba, improves action of levodopa and
decreases some side effects such as nausea, vomiting and heart rhythm
disturbances.
Elderpyl and Azilect monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These drugs inhibit
breakdown of dopamine.
Side effects include: xerostomia, taste alterations, nausea, vomiting, stomach
pain, orthostatic hypotension (monoamineoxidase inhibitors), hallucination,
dyskinesias.
Role of dental team
Carefully assist patients in and out of dental chair
and observe for orthostatic hypotension.
Check patient’s oral cavities for stomatitis,
xerostomia, caries and other lesions.
Question????
Alzheimer’s disease is reversible and can be easily cured. The
disease affects only young people.
a. The first statement is true and the second is false
b. Both statements are false
c. Both statements are true
d. First statement is false and the second statement is true

What type of treatment most desired in management of
Alzheimer’s disease.
a. Cholinesterase inhibition and increase of Acetylcholine
b. Dopamine inhibition
c. Increase in dopamine

Question????
Parkinson's disease affects more men than women. The disease
starts to appear as early as age 50.
a) First statement is true and the second is false?
b) First statement is false and the second is true?
c) Both statements are true?
d) Both statements are false?

Which are the more important contributing factors that cause
Parkinson's disease?
a) Low dopamine production?
b )Genetics factors?
c) Head trauma?
d) Pollution and toxins in water?
e) All of the above?
