Parkinson's / Alzheimer's - the difference

Students asked what the difference between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is. Whilst Alzheimer's produces general memeory loss and slowness in its sufferers, Parkinson's produces loss of muscle control which can produce shakiness in speech or walking. Both are neurological diseases. The following information has been taken from http://alzheimers.about.com/od/symptomsofalzheimers/a/symptoms.htm and http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_parkinsons_disease.asp

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to personality changes, memory loss, intellectual slowing, and other Alzheimer's symptoms. Although each person with Alzheimer's is different, most progress through a series of stages, each of which is characterized by more serious Alzheimer's symptoms.Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease begins by affecting movement, resulting in tremors and shakiness, stiffness, difficulty with walking and muscle control, lack of facial expression and impaired speech. Parkinson’s is another disease in which Lewy bodies are found in the brain. Many individuals with Parkinson’s develop dementia in later stages of the disease. There are currently no drugs approved by the FDA specifically to treat the dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.


Michael J Fox is a well-known actor with Parkinson's disease.