{{ __('Your cart') }}0
0,00 $
0
items
0,00 $
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behaviour. This condition affects the brain's ability to process information, form new memories, and perform everyday tasks. As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80% of all dementia cases in Canada.
Early warning signs include difficulty remembering recent conversations, misplacing items frequently, confusion about time or place, and challenges with problem-solving. The disease primarily affects Canadians over 65, with risk factors including age, family history, and certain genetic markers. Alzheimer's progresses through stages from mild cognitive impairment to moderate dementia, eventually reaching severe stages where individuals require full-time care.
The impact extends beyond patients to family caregivers, who often experience emotional stress and lifestyle changes while providing increasing levels of support and assistance with daily activities.
Health Canada has approved several medications to help manage Alzheimer's symptoms and slow cognitive decline. These treatments work by regulating brain chemicals involved in memory and learning processes.
The primary medications prescribed in Canada include:
These medications may help maintain cognitive function, reduce behavioural symptoms, and improve quality of life for several months or years. However, they cannot cure or reverse the disease progression. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances, requiring regular monitoring by healthcare providers.
Most provincial health plans provide coverage for these medications when prescribed by specialists, though specific criteria and prior authorization requirements may apply across different provinces.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement by reducing dopamine production in the brain. This neurotransmitter deficiency leads to the characteristic motor symptoms that define the condition.
The four primary motor symptoms include:
Beyond motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease also presents non-motor symptoms including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes that can significantly impact quality of life. Disease progression varies considerably among individuals, with some experiencing rapid advancement while others maintain stability for years. It's important to distinguish between Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, as the latter refers to similar symptoms caused by other conditions or medications.
Canadian patients with Parkinson's disease have access to several effective medication categories through Health Canada-approved treatments. The cornerstone of treatment involves dopamine replacement therapy, which helps restore the brain's depleted dopamine levels.
The gold standard treatments include Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet) and Benserazide-Levodopa (Prolopa), which effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to increase dopamine production.
These medications directly stimulate dopamine receptors and include Pramipexole (Mirapex), Ropinirole (Requip), and Rotigotine (Neupro patch), offering continuous symptom control.
MAO-B inhibitors like Selegiline (Eldepryl) and Rasagiline (Azilect) help preserve existing dopamine, while COMT inhibitors such as Entacapone (Comtan) and Tolcapone (Tasmar) extend levodopa effectiveness. Proper timing and dosage adjustments are crucial for optimal symptom control and managing motor fluctuations and dyskinesias that may develop over time.
Understanding and managing medication side effects is crucial for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Common side effects of Alzheimer's medications include nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. These can often be minimized by taking medications with food or adjusting dosing schedules under medical supervision.
Parkinson's medications present unique challenges, with side effects ranging from nausea and dizziness to more complex issues like hallucinations and impulse control disorders. Patients and caregivers should monitor for unusual behaviours, including compulsive gambling, shopping, or eating, and report these immediately to healthcare providers.
Regular communication with your healthcare team ensures optimal medication management and quality of life.
Maintaining brain health extends beyond medication management. Regular physical exercise, particularly activities like walking, swimming, or tai chi, can help preserve cognitive function and motor skills. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains supports neurological health.
Social engagement remains vital for mental wellbeing. Canadian resources include the Alzheimer Society of Canada and Parkinson Canada, which offer support groups, educational programs, and advocacy services. Provincial health programs provide additional support through home care services, respite care, and specialized clinics.
Early planning is essential for progressive neurological conditions. Consider establishing advance directives, power of attorney arrangements, and discussing long-term care preferences with family members. Regular reassessment of treatment plans ensures medications remain effective as conditions evolve. Provincial healthcare services can help coordinate care transitions and connect families with appropriate community resources and support networks.
