Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases can seem similar, but their symptoms and causes are quite distinct. Learning about the differences between the two conditions and how the field of adult medicine addresses them can help you identify symptoms and ensure that you or your loved one receive the appropriate care.

Comparing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

What Is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease largely affects the cognitive functions of the brain. It impairs thinking, memory, and judgment. Resulting symptoms include communication issues, confusion regarding situations or people, and difficulty completing daily tasks such as driving or cooking. As the disease progresses, individuals can experience emotional disturbances like fear or anger, or they may have violent outbursts.

Alzheimer’s is caused by an accumulation of abnormal plaque and tangles in the brain’s composition, as well as impaired nerve communication in the brain. These abnormalities typically start in the hippocampus (the memory center of the brain) and spread from there. Comprehensive Alzheimer’s care includes medications and therapies recommended by their primary care provider as well as specialists, such as a neurologist.

What Is Parkinson’s?

Unlike Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease primarily affects people’s ability to control body movements. It can result in shaking, tremors, rigidness in the limbs, and problems with gait, balance, and coordination. While the exact cause of the disease isn’t known, it targets neurons that produce dopamine in one part of the brain. Beyond movement difficulties, other symptoms can include depression, bladder and bowel complications, sleep disorders, a decline in one’s sense of smell and sex drive, and cognitive impairment. Like Alzheimer’s, there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatment options include medications and surgical treatment performed by a neurologist.

Why These Conditions Often Get Confused

Despite the differences between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, some of their symptoms overlap.

All individuals with Alzheimer’s experience dementia as the main characteristic of their disease. In Parkinson’s, some cases experience dementia after the onset of the motor symptoms. Parkinson’s dementia results in slow thinking, memory problems, inability to focus, and communication difficulties, mirroring some symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

If dementia symptoms manifest at least a year after motor symptoms of Parkinson’s manifest, then it’s attributed to Parkinson’s dementia. However, dementia that occurs before or at the same time as Parkinson’s is caused by another disorder.

If you or your loved ones are struggling with symptoms of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, reach out to the adult medicine experts at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. Centered in Gloversville, NY, they offer state-of-the-art care at numerous centers. Their team of 160 doctors includes neurology specialists and adult medicine providers who will manage your condition. They also have an on-site nursing home for both short- and long-term residents. From their women’s health providers to their nursing staff, they’ll exceed your expectations. Learn about the nursing home online, and call (518) 725-8621 to arrange an appointment or schedule a tour of the facility.