Date post: | 20-May-2015 |
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Health & Medicine |
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Jannie MacanalalayDixee Liao
What does the term “neurological disorder” mean? Neurological disorders are disorders
of the nervous system. These diseases have connections to the nerve since the prefix “neuro-” means nerve.
To name some neurological To name some neurological disorders……disorders……
o Alzheimer’s Diseaseo Schizophreniao Parkinson’s Diseaseo OCDo ADHDo Migraineo epilepsy
What is alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is also known in
medical literature as “Alzheimer Disease(AD)”.
It is the most common form of dementia(a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior).
At what age do people get this disease? Most often, people diagnosed with
this disease are 65 years and above, although the less-prevalent early onset of this disease can occur earlier.
What causes this disease? The cause of this disease is still
unknown. However, there are still several factors known to be link to a higher risk of developing the disease, like: age, family history, head injuries, some diseases and conditions, etc.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s have 7 stages.
Stage 1: No impairment
The person does not experience any memory problems.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline Could be normal age-related
changes, or the earliest signs of Alzheimer's.
Stage 3: Early Confusional (Mild Cognitive Decline)
Early-stage Alzheimer's is sometimes diagnosed at this stage.
The patient has slight difficulties which have some impact on certain everyday functions.
Most of the time, the patients try to conceal the problems. Problems include word recall, organization, planning, mislaying things, reading a passage and retaining information from it, ability to learn new things, and organization.
Becomes moody, anxious and at times, depressed.
Stage 4: Moderate cognitive Decline Still identifies familiar people and is
aware of self. Reduced memory of personal
history. Withdraws from conversations, social
situations, and mentally challenging situations.
Denies there is a problem and becomes defensive.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
Cognitive deterioration is more serious.Cannot remember details about
personal history, such as name of where they went to school, telephone numbers, personal address, etc.
Confused about what day it is, month, year.
Confused about where they are or where things are.
Easy prey for scammers.Unable to recall current information
consistently.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive DeclineMemory continues to deteriorate. Require all-around help with daily
activities.Disruption of sleep patterns.Wander off and become lost.Repeat words, phrases or repetitively
utters sounds.Suspicious, paranoid, and aggressive.Disturbed, agitated, especially later on in
the day.Repetitive/compulsive behavior, such as
tearing up tissues or wringing hands.
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive DeclineDuring the last stage of Alzheimer's
disease patients lose the ability to respond to their environment, they cannot speak, and eventually cannot control movement.
Patients lose their ability to recognize speech, but may utter short words or moans to communicate.
Reflexes become abnormal.Generally bedridden.Spends more time asleep.
Treatments
There is no known cure for this disease and it will eventually end in death.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that makes it hard for a person to distinguish what is real and unreal. It also makes it difficult to think clearly, manage emotions and relate to others .
When does it start?
In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s. For women, they start in the mid-20s to early 30s.
Causes
The cause of schizophrenia is not yet fully known. However, it appears that schizophrenia usually results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms:
Delusions Hallucinations Disorganized speech Disorganized behavior Negative symptoms or absence of
normal behavior
Treatments and preventions Get involved in treatment. Build a strong support system. Find ways to stay involved with
others. Put medication in its place. Make healthy lifestyle choices.
What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of
the brain that leads to shaking and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination.
At what age can you get it? If you are 60 or over, you are more
likely to get this disease. Most cases begin when one is over
60 years old.
Causes:
This disease is caused by progressive impairment or deterioration of neurons(brain cells) in an area of the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms may be mild at first. Automatic movements (such as
blinking) slow or stop Impaired balance and walking Muscle aches and pains Problems with movement(difficulty
starting or continuing movement, slowed movements, rigid or stiff muscles)
Treatment
Currently, there is no known cure for this disease.
Therapy is directed at treating the symptoms that are most bothersome to an individual with Parkinson’s disease.
What is OCD?
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OCD is a type of anxiety that happens when there is a problem with the way the brain deals with worrying and doubts.
At what age does a person get this? OCD can first appear between ages 8
to 12. Can be also between the late teens
and early adulthood.
Causes
No one has found a single, proven cause for OCD.
Some research shows that it may have to do with chemicals in the brain that carry messages from one nerve cell to another. One of these chemicals, called serotonin (say "sair-a-tone-in"), helps to keep people from repeating the same behaviors over and over again.
Symptoms
Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others.
Fear of causing harm to yourself or others. Intrusive sexually explicit or violent
thoughts and images. Excessive focus on religious or moral
ideas. Fear of losing or not having things you
might need. Order and symmetry: the idea that
everything must line up “just right.” Superstitions; excessive attention to
something considered lucky or unlucky.
Treatment
The most effective treatment is the cognitive-behavioral theraphy.
• Exposure and response prevention involves repeated exposure to the source of your obsession. Then you are asked to refrain from the compulsive behavior you’d usually perform to reduce your anxiety.
• Cognitive therapy focuses on the catastrophic thoughts and exaggerated sense of responsibility you feel.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can't seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act.
CausesCauses
The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown.
But they suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition…
Heredity Chemical imbalance Brain changes Head injury
SymptomsSymptoms
Symptoms of ADHD in children are generally grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
InattentionInattention
Easily distracted does not follow directions or finish tasks does not appear to be listening when
someone is speaking does not pay attention and makes careless
mistakes is forgetful about daily activities has problems organizing daily tasks avoids or dislikes activities that require
sitting still or a sustained effort often loses things, including personal items has a tendency to daydream
HyperactivityHyperactivity
often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
does not stay seated as expected has difficulty playing quietly is always moving, such as running or
climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as a sense of restlessness)
talks excessively
ImpulsivityImpulsivity
has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
blurts out answers before the question has been completed
often interrupts others
TreatmentTreatment
Most ADHD patients respond well with medications.
The second proven treatment is behavioral interventions. Behavioral interventions include cognitive behavior modification, coaching, and support groups.
Most ADHD individuals find exercise extremely calming.
The best way to treat ADHD is with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy, under the advice of a doctor.