Alzheimer and Parkinson

 

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the progressive loss of one or more nervous function. although very different, they all show a gradual decrease in brain functions, ofetn come unnoticed and eventually lead to th decrease of the quality of life.

In all cases there is loss of neuronal cells more or less localized within certain areas of the brain (like in Parkinson disease), or restricted to a certain type of neuron (like in Alzheimer disease).

 

The progressive aging of the population is becoming a significative element in determining the increase of degenerative disorders, and together with cardiovasculare disorders, they are among the first causes of death in western countries.

It is estimated thay around 6.5 million individuals are affected by alzheimer in europe and this number is believed to double every five years in over 65s populations, to a maximum of 1:3 in over 80s.

 

Neurodegenerative disorders are both a familiar and a social burden, that need to be considered, they initial phases of disease are usually unnoticed and when the pathology becomes clear it is usually too late for any clinical approach.

The possibility of predicting neudegeneration might help people organizing their life and actively face the progressive neuronal loss maintaining an active lifestyle and brain.

 

The neurodegenerative test offers the possibility to analyze genetic variations linked to alzheimer and parkinson disorders.

In the case fo alzheimer disease, the most common form of the disease is associated with the age and with variantions of the apoE gene. parkinson disease is linked to variations within GSTP1, TNF alfa and ADH1C genes.