Difference Between Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease

There are some overlapping symptoms, but in general, Alzheimer's affects language and memory, while Parkinson's affects problem solving (executive function), speed of thinking, memory and other cognitive functions, as well as mood.

1. What is the difference between Parkinson's disease and dementia?
2. How are Parkinson's and Alzheimer's related?
3. What are the 5 stages of Parkinson disease?
4. What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
5. What worsens Parkinson's disease?
6. Do Parkinson patients sleep a lot?
7. What happens if Parkinson's is left untreated?
8. What is end stage Parkinson's?
9. How do Parkinson patients die?
10. How long do Parkinson patients live?
11. What triggers Parkinson's disease?
12. How does a person with Parkinson's feel?

What is the difference between Parkinson's disease and dementia?

Parkinson disease causes physical symptoms at first. Problems with cognitive function, including forgetfulness and trouble with concentration, may arise later. As the disease gets worse with time, many people develop dementia. This can cause profound memory loss and makes it hard to maintain relationships.

How are Parkinson's and Alzheimer's related?

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are both neurological illnesses. Both diseases are caused by damaged brain cells. Both conditions can involve dementia, as well as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Both conditions can lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

What are the 5 stages of Parkinson disease?

The 5 Stages of Parkinson's Disease

• Stage One. Individuals experience mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. ...
• Stage Two. Symptoms worsen, including tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms on both sides of the body. ...
• Stage Three. This is considered mid-stage. ...
• Stage Four. Symptoms are severe and limiting. ...
• Stage Five.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's is a specific disease. Dementia is not.

What worsens Parkinson's disease?

Medication changes, infection, dehydration, sleep deprivation, recent surgery, stress, or other medical problems can worsen PD symptoms. Urinary tract infections (even without bladder symptoms) are a particularly common cause.

Do Parkinson patients sleep a lot?

Why do Parkinson's patients sleep so much? Parkinson's patients experience difficulties with their sleep due to the disease itself and the medications that treat it. This can lead to increased sleepiness during the day.

What happens if Parkinson's is left untreated?

Untreated prognosis

Untreated, Parkinson's disease worsens over years. Parkinson's may lead to a deterioration of all brain functions and an early death. Life expectancy however is normal to near normal in most treated patients of Parkinson's disease.

What is end stage Parkinson's?

When patients reach stage five – the final stage of Parkinson's disease – they will have severe posture issues in their back, neck, and hips. They will require a wheelchair and may be bedridden. In end-stage of Parkinson's disease, patients will also often experience non-motor symptoms.

How do Parkinson patients die?

Two major causes of death for those with PD are falls and pneumonia. People with PD are at higher risk of falling, and serious falls that require surgery carry the risk of infection, adverse events with medication and anesthesia, heart failure, and blood clots from immobility.

How long do Parkinson patients live?

According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, patients usually begin developing Parkinson's symptoms around age 60. Many people with PD live between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed.

What triggers Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine.

How does a person with Parkinson's feel?

There are four primary motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement) and postural instability (balance problems). Observing two or more of these symptoms is the main way that physicians diagnose Parkinson's.