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What are the similarities between Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease?

In: Health, Conditions and Diseases, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Similarities Between [Edit categories]

Answer:

Both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are neurodegenerative diseases, caused by the loss of brain cells; in Parkinson's the dopamine producing cells, and in Alzheimer those associated with intellectual abilities are destroyed. (Alzheimer's disease is a form of Dementia).

However, latest research suggests they both share common features: Amyloid plaques or Amyloid fibrils. Amyloid fibrils are suspected to be misfolded proteins.

Amyloid plaques are the result of protein fragments' accumulation into a protein deposit on the brain, which is then associated with brain cell destructions.

While Beta-amyloid plaques are a feature for Alzheimer's, in Parkinson's sufferers' brain the plaques called Lewy bodies are present.

Just for interest, amyloid plaques might also be associated with Type 2 Diabetes, among other diseases.

First answer by Liasdaughter. Last edit by Liasdaughter. Contributor trust: 45 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

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