ADDITIONALS

• ALS


  Amylotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in brain and spinal cord
• Alzheimer's


  Neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and functional impairment, the most common form of dementia, caused by accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in brain, leading to gradual loss of neurons and brain tissue
• Parkinson's


  A chronic and progressive movement disorder caused by degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in substantia nigra region, dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter for coordinating smooth and controlled muscle movements
• Types of Alzheimer's

  • Early-onset: occurs before age 65
  • Late-onset: occurs after age 65
• Causes of Parkinson's

  • Idiopathic (Most common)
  • Parkinson's Plus Syndrome (Multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy)
  • Secondary Parkinsonism (Caused by medication side effects or neurological conditions)
• Manifestations of ALS

  • Muscle weakness and atrophy starting from limbs or bulbar region (speech and swallowing muscle)
  • Cramps
  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing
  • Paralyzed
• Manifestations of Alzheimer's

  • Memory loss
  • Confusion and Disorientation
  • Difficulty with language and communication
  • Changes in mood and behavior
  • Loss of motor function and independence in daily activities
• Manifestations of Parkinson's

  • Tremors, rigidity
  • Bradykinesia
  • Postural instability
  • Non-motor symptoms: sleep disturbance, autonomic dysfunction, sensory symptoms
• Diagnostics for ALS

  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • MRI
  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
• Diagnostics for Parkinson's

  • MRI
  • DaTscan
• Medications for ALS

  • Riluzole - reduces glutamate levels in brain
  • Edavarone - antioxidant; reduces oxidative stress
• Medications for Alzheimer's

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Memantine - both manage symptoms and slow progression
• Medications for Parkinson's

  • Levodopa
  • Dopamine agonists
  • MAO-B inhibitors
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Other therapies
• Nursing Responsibilities for ALS

  • Enteral feeding due to difficulty swallowing
  • Breathing support
• Nursing Responsibilities for Alzheimer's

  • Safety measures against falls and wandering
• Nursing Responsibilities for Parkinson's

  • Assist patient in ADLs
  • Management for difficulty swallowing
  • Prioritize safety (falls)