The brain, weighing about 3 lbs., is the most complex part of the body. It interprets sensory information, controls behavior, contains the mind and all intelligence, and it is the origin of all movements of the body. Degenerative diseases of the brain gradually destroy the brain's ability to respond quickly and appropriately to information it receives. Speech, memory, movement or any function of the body may be affected by degenerative diseases.
Alzheimer's Disease
The most common degenerative disease of the brain is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Discovered by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, this disease was recognized by the medical community in the 1960s. Alzheimer's Disease Research reports there are about 350,000 new cases diagnosed every year and approximately 26 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's. Symptoms that include personality changes, short-term memory loss, difficulty maintaining attention and disorientation begin gradually and become progressively worse. Final stages include the inability to speak, control bodily functions and recognize friends and family. The disease process can last up to 20 years.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is the second most common degenerative disease of the brain. The National Parkinson Foundation reports it was first noted in the early 1800s by Dr. James Parkinson.Parkinson's disease begins with mild symptoms of tremors, usually on one side. As the disease progresses, tremors increase and body movement becomes slow. Shuffling of the feet is a typical symptom in the disease process. Posture changes include stooping of the shoulders with the head dropping forward. Tasks, such as writing, become difficult. The deterioration progresses differently with each individual. For some, speech is impacted more early on by the disease. For others, difficulty walking may be most affected. Ultimately, total care is required.
ALS
ALS ( amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), more popularly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain's ability to control muscle movement. Symptoms at onset, such as slurred speech and tripping easily, can vary from one person to the next. The progression of the disease includes muscle weakness, twitching, and ultimately, shortness of breath with difficulty swallowing and breathing. The ALS Association reports as many as 15 new cases a day are diagnosed in the United States. The average age at diagnosis is 55-years-old. More men than women have ALS.
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) was first recognized by scientist Friederich H. Lewy in the early 1900s. This degenerative brain disease is a dementia with similar symptoms to Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Progressive confusion, memory difficulty, poor problem solving, fluctuations in alertness and hallucinations are common symptoms of LBD. Sleep pattern disturbances and aggression are common in LBD patients. The Lewy Body Dementia Association puts the duration of the disease to average from five to seven years (see Resources).
