As we grow older brain diseases, tend to become more frequent in the elder population, most notably dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Although most common there are other diseases that can impair your memory, thinking, and judgment. Do you know the most common brain diseases and some of the key symptoms to spot early on in its development?
Shrinking of The Brain
Most commonly, Brain diseases like dementia are most commonly developed after the age of 65, when risk doubles every five years. The human cerebrum begin to lose neurons in the late 20s, which make up our brain and nervous system. 40 years later by the time we hit 60, our brain has begun to shrink dramatically. Although brain shrinkage is natural certain lifestyle habits tend to increase the speed such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking and being overweight.
Huntington’s Disease
When your brain begins to lose size it also becomes more susceptible to disease. One of the most common brain diseases is Huntington’s disease, which causes your nerves to be broken down gradually. This also causes damage to your emotions, physical movements, and cognitive abilities. Some signs of Huntington’s disease are depression, psychosis, trouble making decisions, poor coordination, irritability, and more.
Parkinson’s Disease
Another common brain disease is Parkinson’s, which plays a roll on the cells that produce dopamine in the brain. Parkinson symptoms are as followed: Hand tremors, decreased expression in the facial area, unsteady balance, abnormal tone, slowness of movement, and lightheadedness. Parkinsons causes your cells to die with no replacing them. This makes it harder as you age for your brain to send messages throughout your body.
Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease but a group of conditions that cause impairment. Some symptoms of dementia include limited social skills, forgetfulness, and the ability to think and complete daily functions. Dementia might cause some to have problems with short term memory and as the days progress daily activities become harder. The causes of dementia are most commonly damage to cerebrum cells. Most dementia cases can be summarized in Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease destroys memory and other mental health functions. This makes the ability to function daily harder, while also losing the ability to recall certain life events. The disease progresses through seven stages: No Impairment, Very Mild decline, mild decline, moderate decline, moderately severe decline, Severe decline, and very severe decline. There is no cure for the disease, but certain medications and strategies can help manage the disease temporarily. Alzheimers accounts for 60-80 percent of dementia cases.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic and mental disorder that affects a persons ability to think to feel and how they behave. Some schizophrenic symptoms might be hallucinations, thought disorders, delusions, and not being able to move. Some of those who suffer from the disease tend to seem like they have lost touch with reality. Schizophrenia symptoms can start as early as the age of 16 and even younger in some cases. Although usually detected before the elderly year’s schizophrenia can be hard to live with and is one of the most common brain disorders.
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