🧠 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:
tetrabenazinefor 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