Neurodegenerative diseases are those that cause the body's functions to degrade gradually. They are often thought of as "brain diseases" because the neurological system is usually most affected, but neurodegenerative diseases can damage almost any body part. Hence they are also known as multi-system disorders. Manipal Hospitals has 2 dedicated Centers of excellence: Neurology and Neurosurgery, which deal with diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases in Kharadi, Pune. Visit us today and connect with our highly experienced neurosurgeons in Pune.
The Nervous System
The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, which control voluntary movement and involuntary activity such as breathing and digestion. The peripheral nerves carry messages from the central nervous system (CNS) to muscles or other tissues outside of it. Degeneration or a disease that affects white matter—the fatty covering that insulates nerve fibres in your brain—or grey matter— can damage the CNS, the central mass of neurons where electrical impulses are generated and received. Visit Manipal Hospitals for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment in Kharadi Pune.
Some common neurodegenerative diseases
These are some of the more common neurodegenerative diseases. However, they are not an exhaustive list, and many other neurodegenerative disorders exist.
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Alzheimer's disease
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
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Friedreich ataxia
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Huntington's disease
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Lewy body disease
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Parkinson's disease
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Spinal muscular atrophy
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Epilepsy
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease causing memory, thinking and behaviour issues. It is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Over time, Alzheimer's can destroy brain cells and slow the ability to remember newly learned information. As per the National Institute on Ageing, Alzheimer's causes up to 80% of dementia cases.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer's may include
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Problems with memory
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Confusion about time or place
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Difficulty solving simple problems or completing familiar tasks at home or work
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Language difficulties (for example, finding words)
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Poor judgment
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Changes in mood (sadness/depression)
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Personality changes like apathy or anxiety
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Behavioral issues such as wandering away from home without any information.
Eventually, most patients with Alzheimer's will be unable to care for themselves. This stage of the disease is called end-stage dementia or advanced Alzheimer's disease. As the symptoms worsen and become more severe, patients will need to rely on family members or other caregivers to help them with day-to-day activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
The final phase of this chronic illness is death from complications caused by dementia, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Alzheimer's primarily affects people older than 65 and is a leading cause of death in seniors.
Suppose you have noticed changes in your loved one's behaviour or personality. In that case, it may be time to discuss their concerns openly and seek medical advice. There is no cure for Alzheimer's yet. Treatment from a top neurologist in Pune will slow its progression and help patients manage some symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive disease affecting movement and muscle control. The loss of dopamine-producing brain cells causes the disease.
Symptoms
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Tremors
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Slow movement
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Stiff muscles.
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The trouble with balance and coordination
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Inability to walk normally.
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Inability to talk clearly
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Around 50% of people who develop Parkinson's disease will experience depression as well.
Treatments for Parkinson's
Treatment includes medications that increase dopamine levels in the brain. These drugs help reduce symptoms but do not cure the underlying neurodegeneration! Most patients find that one medication works better than another, but it usually takes time before finding which one works best for each person, so don't give up immediately!
Prevention of Neurodegenerative diseases
Preventing neurodegenerative diseases is not easy, but there are several strategies you can take to help reduce your risk of developing one.
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Have a healthy lifestyle
Eat well, exercise regularly, don't smoke and manage stress. These strategies will help overall health and prevent or delay the onset of many chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
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Avoid unhealthy habits
Smoking cigarettes increases your risk for AD and PD by more than 50%. Heavy drinking increases your risk for early cognitive decline by up to 60% in men and 80% in women. Other unhealthy habits include taking certain medications that can increase the risk of AD or PD, like certain anti-depressants or anti-cancer drugs.
Treatment of Neurodegenerative diseases
While there's no standard cure for neurodegenerative diseases, treatment and care can be helpful. Treatment may include personalised treatments, lifestyle changes, and drug therapy — Top Neurologist in Kharadi prescribe drugs that help manage symptoms of neurodegenerative disease. These drugs can have side effects, so it is recommended to consult experts before taking any new medication.
Side effects may include
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Nausea or vomiting
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Dizziness on rising
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Constipation
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Dry mouth
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Drowsiness
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Headache
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Blurred vision
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Weight loss
Manipal Hospitals has skilled Neurologists in Kharadi, Pune. The expert team of doctors at Manipal Hospitals can diagnose and treat patients suffering from neurological illnesses with state-of-the-art equipment and treatment techniques.
Facilities Available
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Electroencephalogram (EEG)
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Stroke Management
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Lumbar Puncture
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Electromyography (EMG)
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Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
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Memory Clinic for Alzheimer's Disease Patients
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Adult Neurology Clinic for Parkinson's Disease
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Epilepsy Care Centre
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Treatment of neuromuscular diseases like Myasthenia Gravis
Connect with us if seeking treatment for any neurological disorders including brain stroke. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of brain stroke. If you know someone experiencing symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, please get in touch with our Neurologist in Kharadi, Pune, by booking an appointment with us or by visiting us.
Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune
