Table of Contents

🧠 Neurodegenerative Disease Management

🧠 Neurodegenerative Disease Management

🔍 Diagnosis

History & Examination: Progressive neurological deficits, cognitive decline, motor/sensory disturbances.
Imaging: MRI (e.g., hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer’s, nigrostriatal degeneration in Parkinson’s).
Laboratory tests: Rule out reversible causes (e.g., vitamin B12, thyroid, infections).
Biomarkers:
- CSF tau and Aβ42 (Alzheimer's)
- DaTscan (Parkinson’s)
- Genetic testing (e.g., Huntington’s, ALS-related mutations)

🧬 Common Diseases and Their Management

🟠 Alzheimer’s Disease

Pharmacologic:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: donepezil, rivastigmine
- NMDA receptor antagonist: memantine
Non-pharmacologic: Cognitive stimulation, caregiver support
Monitoring: MMSE, ADAS-Cog

🔵 Parkinson’s Disease

Pharmacologic:
- Levodopa + carbidopa
- Dopamine agonists: pramipexole, ropinirole
- MAO-B inhibitors: rasagiline, selegiline
Surgical: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

🔴 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Pharmacologic: riluzole, edaravone
Supportive care: Non-invasive ventilation, gastrostomy
Multidisciplinary care: Neurologist, pulmonologist, nutritionist

🟣 Huntington’s Disease

Symptomatic treatment:
- tetrabenazine for chorea
- SSRIs or antipsychotics for behavioral symptoms
Genetic counseling: Essential for family planning

📈 Disease Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular neurological evaluations
Functional status: ADLs, gait, speech
Imaging or biomarkers when appropriate
Periodic cognitive testing

🧩 Multidisciplinary Management

Neurology
Neuropsychology
Rehabilitation medicine
Palliative care (advanced stages)

🛡️ Preventive Strategies & Risk Reduction

Control of vascular risk factors
Cognitive engagement and physical activity
Mediterranean diet, low in saturated fats

🔚 End-of-Life Planning

Advance care directives
Palliative and hospice support
Family and caregiver guidance