Parkinson’s, How it Differs from Alzheimer’s, Biomarkers, and the Major Challenges the Community Face

Parkinson’s, How it Differs from Alzheimer’s, Biomarkers, and the Major Challenges the Community Face

Since the discovery of dopamine as a neurotransmitter in the 1950s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) research has generated a rich and complex body of knowledge, revealing PD to be an age-related multifactorial disease, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The tremendous complexity of the disease is increased by a nonlinear progression of the pathogenesis between molecular, cellular and organic systems.

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Why do we still not understand what causes Alzheimer’s?

Why do we still not understand what causes Alzheimer’s?

There are two answers to the question of why we don’t yet fully understand Alzheimer’s. The simple answer is that the brain is remarkably complex, it’s the primary organ for cognition thus making investigation into the organ risky, and also research into the brain and mind are, relatively speaking, nascent fields. The more nuanced answer provides context into those stipulations. Alzheimer’s — a neurodegenerative form of dementia — is a condition with a constellation of symptoms that result from damage to the brain so there is nothing to be said about Alzheimer’s without first discussing what some call “the most complicated object in the universe,” the brain.

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Considering the unseen links to Alzheimer’s: Air Pollution

Considering the unseen links to Alzheimer’s: Air Pollution

In this blog, we will look at what current research suggests about air pollution and whether or not it increases the chance one might develop Alzheimer’s, and we will also look at how contributing factors to air pollution might worsen the quality of the air, which could have implications for those already at risk of AD.

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The Vagus Nerve: An explainer of the tenth cranial nerve and its clinical implications

The Vagus Nerve: An explainer of the tenth cranial nerve and its clinical implications

Vagus nerve stimulation is a treatment that has been occasionally used to treat epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and even Alzheimer’s dementia. Are you familiar with this unusual treatment? Are you familiar with the vagus nerve? Though it’s not commonly known, it’s a critical part of your nervous system and has many potential clinical implications. Let’s chat about the vagus nerve and vagus nerve stimulation, but first, some background and context.

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Considering the unseen links to Alzheimer’s: Gingivitis

Considering the unseen links to Alzheimer’s: Gingivitis

According to the Alzheimer Association’s annual report Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, “an estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021.” This number is expected to more than double to 12.7 million by the year 2050.

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