Like other progressive brain diseases, they are associated with a buildup of certain proteins in the brain.
While it’s not common, it’s possible to have both diseases at the same time.
Some people can have early-onset Parkinson’s disease, starting in their 30s or 40s.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
It is primarily a movement disorder characterized by resting tremors.
instability with balance, and slowness and stiffness of movement.
In the late stages of the disease,Parkinson’s dementiacan develop.
The condition can limit mobility andself-careat all stages.
Parkinsons Disease Stages
There are well-definedstages of Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons Disease Treatment
Many effective treatments can control symptoms of Parkinsons disease, even at late stages.
There are no treatments proven to prevent progression.
It often begins after age 70, but it can start sooner.
Alzheimers disease is not associated with symptoms that affect physical movement.
Alzheimers Symptoms
The effects of Alzheimers disease worsen over time.
Common symptoms of Alzheimers disease are:
Sometimes these symptoms are associated with each other.
For example, forgetting where something is located can make people think it was stolen, worsening paranoia.
Sometimes progression can seem to slow down, and then the disease can rapidly worsen.
Nutrition, bedsores, and infections can become serious problems.
Alzheimers Treatment
There are severalmedical treatmentsthat can be prescribed for Alzheimers disease.
And there are some differences, too.
In later stages, both conditions may lead to delusions, hallucinations, and other psychotic symptoms.
The protein accumulation may be identified based on research studies and autopsy examination and sometimes with functional brain imaging.
Coping With Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease
Living with both Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease is extremely challenging.
Rivastigmine is the only medication that is specifically approved for the treatment of Parkinsons dementia.
Each of these conditions has its own set of symptoms, stages, and treatments.
Dementia is always seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that can lead to dementia.
It’s possible to have both diseases at the same time.
It can be extremely stressful to learn that you or a loved one has one or both conditions.
There is no specific hereditary pattern.
But more often, these conditions occur sporadically, without any family history.
There is no simple answer.
But Parkinsons disease can be severe, and the movement and balance problems can lead to life-threatening falls.
