Brain science has revealed that stroke and depression are closely linked. One large study (funded by the National Institutes of Health) found that people with depression are far more likely to suffer a stroke. In fact, high levels of depressive symptoms increased stroke risk by 73 percent, while moderate symptoms raised the risk by 25 percent.
Other studies show that at least two-thirds of stroke victims develop depression. People who have strokes in the left front part of the brain seem to be at increased risk, for reasons that are not yet clear. Post-stroke depression can severely interfere with recovery, and triples the risk of dying in the years immediately following a stroke.
Despite its prevalence, depression following stroke is not often recognized or properly treated. Believing that depression is a normal reaction to suffering a stroke could prevent people from seeking and getting help.
Stroke is a medical emergency; if you notice any of the warning signs of stroke, you should get immediate medical attention. For some people with ischemic stroke, a "clot-busting" drug (called t-PA), can limit the secondary brain damage following a stroke—but only if it is administered within three hours of the stroke's onset.
Many strokes can be prevented. Primary risk factors that can be managed with lifestyle modifications include
Smoking
Excessive alcohol use
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Obesity
Inactivity
Some people may also inherit a vulnerability to stroke, which means you are at greater risk if you have a relative who has a stroke.
Good news: Antidepressants—especially those that act on the brain chemical serotonin—can greatly improve symptoms of post-stroke depression. Many experts believe that treating depression symptoms will speed stroke recovery, and studies are underway to determine which therapies are best.
Also, advances in our understanding of how the brain functions and repairs itself following injury have improved stroke recovery. A number of studies are investigating which rehabilitation strategies work best in which people. Beginning rehabilitation immediately seems to be critical to helping stroke victims recover lost function.
In addition to two types of stroke—ischemic, which accounts for about three-quarters of strokes, and hemorrhagic—many people are also diagnosed as having "mini strokes." These three terms are described below:
Ischemic stroke: Results from a blockage or narrowing of a blood vessel due to plaque build-up or a blood clot. The carotid artery (the main vessel carrying blood to the brain) is most commonly affected.
Hemorrhagic stroke:
Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when an aneurysm (a weak spot in a blood vessel that fills with blood) bursts, causing bleeding on the outer edge of the brain.
Intracerebral hemorrhage, which happens deep in the brain, results when blood leaks from a tear in a blood vessel.
"Mini strokes" (TIAs): People who have "mini-strokes" (also called transient ischemic attacks or TIAs) are at greatly increased risk for suffering a major stroke. Treatment with blood thinners, such as aspirin or heparin, may reduce this risk.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Stroke
A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, cutting off the essential nutrients and oxygen that brain cells need to survive.
Within a few minutes of a stroke, brain cells start to die, setting off a cascade of damage to nearby and interconnected cells. Swelling and toxins released by dying nerve cells may broaden the area of damage.
Strokes can cause a number of changes in mental and physical functions, depending on where in the brain damage has occurred. These changes can include paralysis of muscles in the face and in the limbs, and speech impairment or the inability to speak; they may be evident only on one side of the body.
Within a few minutes of a stroke, brain cells start to die, setting off a cascade of damage to nearby and interconnected cells. Swelling and toxins released by dying nerve cells may broaden the area of damage.
Strokes can cause a number of changes in mental and physical functions, depending on where in the brain damage has occurred. These changes can include paralysis of muscles in the face and in the limbs, and speech impairment or the inability to speak; they may be evident only on one side of the body.
New Research in Parkinson's Disease
Gene therapy—which uses the brain's own systems for cell growth to fight brain illnesses—is a promising area of brain research. The idea is to introduce properly functioning genes that can help make up for abilities lost through disease or injury.
Scientists hope that this approach may be used to treat many movement disorders (like PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's), which are caused by the ongoing loss of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain.
Researchers have already had some success using gene therapy in animal testing (using models of PD) to help restore lost dopamine-producing cells. In animals, the therapy has helped keep nerve cells alive.
This type of treatment is now being investigated in people. But experts point out that gene therapy is still far from perfect. Much more research is necessary make it safer and more effective.
However, many scientists believe these early PD experiments will open the door to a wider use of gene therapy. For example, it could possibly be used in treating ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig's disease—and Huntington's disease.
Scientists hope that this approach may be used to treat many movement disorders (like PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's), which are caused by the ongoing loss of nerve cells in certain areas of the brain.
Researchers have already had some success using gene therapy in animal testing (using models of PD) to help restore lost dopamine-producing cells. In animals, the therapy has helped keep nerve cells alive.
This type of treatment is now being investigated in people. But experts point out that gene therapy is still far from perfect. Much more research is necessary make it safer and more effective.
However, many scientists believe these early PD experiments will open the door to a wider use of gene therapy. For example, it could possibly be used in treating ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig's disease—and Huntington's disease.
Treating Parkinson's Disease
There is no cure for PD, but many patients don't require treatment for several years after they are diagnosed. When their symptoms do become severe, their doctors may prescribe drugs that help replace dopamine.
Other approaches to treating severe PD include:
Pallidotomy—a type of brain surgery that can effectively reduce symptoms in many people
Deep-brain stimulation—a procedure in which a pacemaker-like device is placed in the brain to reduce tremors.
Other approaches to treating severe PD include:
Pallidotomy—a type of brain surgery that can effectively reduce symptoms in many people
Deep-brain stimulation—a procedure in which a pacemaker-like device is placed in the brain to reduce tremors.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder that occurs when brain cells that make the chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called dopamine die over time. This creates a shortage of dopamine in the brain.
Trembling and shaking (called tremor) in an arm or leg, especially when at rest, is often the first symptom of PD. Other common symptoms include:
Slow movement
An inability to get started moving, freezing in place
Stiff limbs
A shuffling gait
Stooped posture
In some cases, people with PD may not show their usual facial expressions, or may speak in an unusually soft voice.
Diagnosing PD
The cause of PD is not clear. Genes may play a role, but researchers believe the disease's onset also depends on environmental factors.
Currently, no test can clearly identify PD in a person. So, in order to diagnose PD, doctors must carefully evaluate patients' symptoms, including what they are, how severe they are, and when they started.
Neurologists (doctors who specialize in the brain and nervous system) have experience with PD. They are best suited to diagnose the disease.
Trembling and shaking (called tremor) in an arm or leg, especially when at rest, is often the first symptom of PD. Other common symptoms include:
Slow movement
An inability to get started moving, freezing in place
Stiff limbs
A shuffling gait
Stooped posture
In some cases, people with PD may not show their usual facial expressions, or may speak in an unusually soft voice.
Diagnosing PD
The cause of PD is not clear. Genes may play a role, but researchers believe the disease's onset also depends on environmental factors.
Currently, no test can clearly identify PD in a person. So, in order to diagnose PD, doctors must carefully evaluate patients' symptoms, including what they are, how severe they are, and when they started.
Neurologists (doctors who specialize in the brain and nervous system) have experience with PD. They are best suited to diagnose the disease.
Living with Alzheimer's
When severe memory loss significantly interferes with daily life, simple tasks can be difficult or overwhelming.
Below are some strategies experts recommend to help lessen AD's impact on the patient's ability to function in day-to-day life.
Establish routines
Establish and follow a regular routine in familiar surroundings.
Label or color code doors to help reduce getting lost.
Draw a map for simple routes; write down directions.
Make lists, and use a calendar or pocket diary to jot down reminders and keep track of important dates and financial matters.
Use a wall calendar with large numbers to help maintain orientation to time and dates.
Recognize the limitations of what can be done, and set realistic daily goals.
Keep track of when medicines are taken; use a reminder box or chart posted on the refrigerator to stay current with prescriptions.
Keep a list of names and numbers near the telephone.
Stay in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Monitor health
Get regular medical check-ups, and tell the doctor about any medicine being taken or changes in health status.
Get treatment for any other chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
If agitation is a problem, find alternative ways to express anger, such as exercising, hitting a punching bag, or making a gripe list.
Below are some strategies experts recommend to help lessen AD's impact on the patient's ability to function in day-to-day life.
Establish routines
Establish and follow a regular routine in familiar surroundings.
Label or color code doors to help reduce getting lost.
Draw a map for simple routes; write down directions.
Make lists, and use a calendar or pocket diary to jot down reminders and keep track of important dates and financial matters.
Use a wall calendar with large numbers to help maintain orientation to time and dates.
Recognize the limitations of what can be done, and set realistic daily goals.
Keep track of when medicines are taken; use a reminder box or chart posted on the refrigerator to stay current with prescriptions.
Keep a list of names and numbers near the telephone.
Stay in touch with family, friends, and acquaintances.
Monitor health
Get regular medical check-ups, and tell the doctor about any medicine being taken or changes in health status.
Get treatment for any other chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
If agitation is a problem, find alternative ways to express anger, such as exercising, hitting a punching bag, or making a gripe list.
New Research in Alzheimer's Disease
Brain research has pointed to plaques (or build-ups) made up of a sticky protein called amyloid as a likely root cause of nerve cell death in Alzheimer's. (For more, see: Causes of AD)
A great deal of attention is now focused on understanding what causes the unnatural build-up of amyloid. This information will help brain scientists learn how to stop or slow the processes that cause amyloid plaque to form.
One strategy is to develop an Alzheimer's vaccine that attacks amyloid plaques and marks them for removal by the brain's own clean-up system. Early tests of the vaccine in animals show that it could successfully prevent and reduce amyloid deposits.
These preliminary results have raised hopes that Alzheimer's disease might be reversible. Although the first trial of the vaccine in humans was discontinued because some patients developed inflammation of the brain, plans for a trial of a modified vaccine are in progress.
A great deal of attention is now focused on understanding what causes the unnatural build-up of amyloid. This information will help brain scientists learn how to stop or slow the processes that cause amyloid plaque to form.
One strategy is to develop an Alzheimer's vaccine that attacks amyloid plaques and marks them for removal by the brain's own clean-up system. Early tests of the vaccine in animals show that it could successfully prevent and reduce amyloid deposits.
These preliminary results have raised hopes that Alzheimer's disease might be reversible. Although the first trial of the vaccine in humans was discontinued because some patients developed inflammation of the brain, plans for a trial of a modified vaccine are in progress.
Treating Alzheimer's Disease
Current treatments for Alzheimer's include three relatively new medications that increase brain levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) involved in learning and memory processes. These drugs—Aricept, Exelon, Namenda, and Reminyl—have been modestly successful in some patients for improving memory and attention skills, and they may also have a beneficial effect on behavioral symptoms such as aggression.
Other therapies currently under investigation target the early stages of AD, with the goal of stopping the disease's progression. These include folate, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory drugs, and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).
Treatments may also target behavioral symptoms associated with AD, such as agitation, delusions, hallucinations, depression, or sleep difficulties. Medications to control these problems might include antidepressants (such as Prozac or Zoloft), antipsychotic drugs (like Valium), and sleep aids (such as Ambien). Use these only in consultation with your doctor, as careful monitoring is important.
Consistent medical and psychological therapy is important for individuals with AD and their family members.
Other therapies currently under investigation target the early stages of AD, with the goal of stopping the disease's progression. These include folate, vitamin E, anti-inflammatory drugs, and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).
Treatments may also target behavioral symptoms associated with AD, such as agitation, delusions, hallucinations, depression, or sleep difficulties. Medications to control these problems might include antidepressants (such as Prozac or Zoloft), antipsychotic drugs (like Valium), and sleep aids (such as Ambien). Use these only in consultation with your doctor, as careful monitoring is important.
Consistent medical and psychological therapy is important for individuals with AD and their family members.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's Diseases
The earliest signs of AD are usually first noticed by a friend or relative. If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of the common symptoms of Alzheimer's, it is important to see a doctor as early as possible to determine the cause. Memory loss can be caused by a number of things, some of which may be reversible.
To establish a clinical diagnosis of AD, doctors focus on ruling out all other possible causes of symptoms. This process of elimination helps them determine whether AD—or something else—might be the cause of the symptoms. Your doctor should perform the following evaluations:
Medical history—current medical or psychological conditions, including a thorough review of personal and family health history and medications being used
Neurological examination—assesses one's sense of time and place, ability to remember, understand and communicate, and complete simple calculations
Physical examination—evaluation of nutritional status, blood pressure, and pulse rate
If these initial examinations don't reveal a clear problem, additional tests might include:
Brain imaging scans, such as MRI or CT, to look for telltale brain changes
Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests to try to identify blood-based or hormonal irregularities
More extensive neuropsychological evaluations, which might include tests of memory, reasoning, vision-motor coordination, and language function
Psychiatric evaluations, to assess mood and other emotional factors
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is usually said to be either:
Probable: This means that all other disorders that may cause dementia have been ruled out; or
Possible: AD is suspected, but other causes cannot be ruled out.
To establish a clinical diagnosis of AD, doctors focus on ruling out all other possible causes of symptoms. This process of elimination helps them determine whether AD—or something else—might be the cause of the symptoms. Your doctor should perform the following evaluations:
Medical history—current medical or psychological conditions, including a thorough review of personal and family health history and medications being used
Neurological examination—assesses one's sense of time and place, ability to remember, understand and communicate, and complete simple calculations
Physical examination—evaluation of nutritional status, blood pressure, and pulse rate
If these initial examinations don't reveal a clear problem, additional tests might include:
Brain imaging scans, such as MRI or CT, to look for telltale brain changes
Laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests to try to identify blood-based or hormonal irregularities
More extensive neuropsychological evaluations, which might include tests of memory, reasoning, vision-motor coordination, and language function
Psychiatric evaluations, to assess mood and other emotional factors
A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is usually said to be either:
Probable: This means that all other disorders that may cause dementia have been ruled out; or
Possible: AD is suspected, but other causes cannot be ruled out.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Tips
You may already have read the previous page and developed an understanding of Alzheimer's disease causes and symptoms.
Understanding the symptoms of AD can help you know when to seek a diagnosis and treatment for yourself or a loved one. Below, you'll also find information about the latest Alzheimer's disease research, and some useful tips for living with AD.
Understanding the symptoms of AD can help you know when to seek a diagnosis and treatment for yourself or a loved one. Below, you'll also find information about the latest Alzheimer's disease research, and some useful tips for living with AD.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the most feared of all illnesses. Perhaps because we find it so terrifying—or embarrassing, or simply too depressing—Alzheimer's is not often discussed among friends and families.
But our tendency to avoid talking about unpleasant subjects (like AD) may leave us wishing we understood them better, that we had more information at hand. This page will provide you with some of that information, from an overview of dementia and the difference between AD and memory loss to the disease's causes, and symptoms. The next section provides information about its treatments.
There are many different types of dementia, and many different causes. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Because people tend to develop AD as they age, the number of people it strikes is growing as more people are living longer.
Difference Between AD and Memory Loss
Brain researchers are working hard to pin down where forgetfulness ends and Alzheimer's begins.
Age related memory impairment
Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's and other dementias. But clear differences exist between dementia and what scientists call "age-related memory loss" (ARML). These differences can be seen in the symptoms that people experience, as well as in actual changes in the brain.
While dementia involves an overall loss of cognitive (mental) abilities, ARML is primarily a decrease in the ability to recall facts, people, places, and things that we encounter daily. For example: We all forget, occasionally, where we parked our cars; but forgetting what your car looks like may be a cause for concern.
One important clue from brain research is that people with Alzheimer's retain much less information than healthy people after a delay. This means they can learn new information, but will remember little after a delay of even a few hours.
Memory changes and AD
In some, but not all patients—mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition marked by repeated lapses in short-term memory—may be early-stage Alzheimer's. Changes in memory that occur over a year or two, and which can be measured through psychological testing, are the trademarks of MCI.
Such changes may be very mild at first, and are often first noticed by a loved one. If you, or someone you love, are experiencing changes in memory or forgetfulness that interfere with work or home responsibilities, seek a doctor's help.
Stress and fatigue can also affect memory, but even if MCI is diagnosed, there may be a cause other than early Alzheimer's (such as side effects from medications, depression, stroke, or a head injury).
Causes of AD
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease, which means neurons (brain cells) deteriorate over time. Eventually, these nerve cells stop functioning and die. Cells in the hippocampus—a seahorse-shaped structure deep in the brain that plays a major role in the formation of memories—appear to be especially vulnerable.
Many experts believe that cell death is related to the buildup of a sticky protein called amyloid, which forms the dense plaques (or areas of build-up) and tangles of nerve fibers that a physician named Alois Alzheimer described more than 100 years ago.
Whether these amyloid plaques are the cause of cell death—or just the remnants of it—is not perfectly clear. Researchers are also studying other proteins; they may find that the interaction of different proteins ultimately leads to cell death.
To date, scientists have been unable to figure out what triggers Alzheimer's disease in some people and not in others. Inherited genes play a role in the rare early-onset forms of Alzheimer's, but their influence on the more common form is less clear.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
In addition to memory loss, the first signs of Alzheimer's often include language difficulties and trouble with routine activities, such as driving and shopping. In late-stage Alzheimer's, the abilities to talk and walk are likely to be lost.
Each person with Alzheimer's may experience different symptoms, which can change over the course of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms are described below:
Profound difficulty in recalling names, objects, places, times, and dates
Not recognizing family and friends, or not recalling their names
Forgetting one's own phone number or address
Difficulty finding your way to or from a familiar place
Tendency to wander from home or office
Forgetting to eat or maintain one's hygiene
Day/night disorientation with difficulty sleeping
Noticeable language and intellectual decline
Poor judgment, inability to follow simple instructions or stay focused on a task
Progressive sense of distrust
Dulled emotions or interest in activities
Depression
Unusual agitation and irritability
Hallucinations or delusions
But our tendency to avoid talking about unpleasant subjects (like AD) may leave us wishing we understood them better, that we had more information at hand. This page will provide you with some of that information, from an overview of dementia and the difference between AD and memory loss to the disease's causes, and symptoms. The next section provides information about its treatments.
Overview of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
There are many different types of dementia, and many different causes. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Because people tend to develop AD as they age, the number of people it strikes is growing as more people are living longer.
Difference Between AD and Memory Loss
Brain researchers are working hard to pin down where forgetfulness ends and Alzheimer's begins.
Age related memory impairment
Memory loss is one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's and other dementias. But clear differences exist between dementia and what scientists call "age-related memory loss" (ARML). These differences can be seen in the symptoms that people experience, as well as in actual changes in the brain.
While dementia involves an overall loss of cognitive (mental) abilities, ARML is primarily a decrease in the ability to recall facts, people, places, and things that we encounter daily. For example: We all forget, occasionally, where we parked our cars; but forgetting what your car looks like may be a cause for concern.
One important clue from brain research is that people with Alzheimer's retain much less information than healthy people after a delay. This means they can learn new information, but will remember little after a delay of even a few hours.
Memory changes and AD
In some, but not all patients—mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition marked by repeated lapses in short-term memory—may be early-stage Alzheimer's. Changes in memory that occur over a year or two, and which can be measured through psychological testing, are the trademarks of MCI.
Such changes may be very mild at first, and are often first noticed by a loved one. If you, or someone you love, are experiencing changes in memory or forgetfulness that interfere with work or home responsibilities, seek a doctor's help.
Stress and fatigue can also affect memory, but even if MCI is diagnosed, there may be a cause other than early Alzheimer's (such as side effects from medications, depression, stroke, or a head injury).
Causes of AD
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease, which means neurons (brain cells) deteriorate over time. Eventually, these nerve cells stop functioning and die. Cells in the hippocampus—a seahorse-shaped structure deep in the brain that plays a major role in the formation of memories—appear to be especially vulnerable.
Many experts believe that cell death is related to the buildup of a sticky protein called amyloid, which forms the dense plaques (or areas of build-up) and tangles of nerve fibers that a physician named Alois Alzheimer described more than 100 years ago.
Whether these amyloid plaques are the cause of cell death—or just the remnants of it—is not perfectly clear. Researchers are also studying other proteins; they may find that the interaction of different proteins ultimately leads to cell death.
To date, scientists have been unable to figure out what triggers Alzheimer's disease in some people and not in others. Inherited genes play a role in the rare early-onset forms of Alzheimer's, but their influence on the more common form is less clear.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
In addition to memory loss, the first signs of Alzheimer's often include language difficulties and trouble with routine activities, such as driving and shopping. In late-stage Alzheimer's, the abilities to talk and walk are likely to be lost.
Each person with Alzheimer's may experience different symptoms, which can change over the course of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms are described below:
Profound difficulty in recalling names, objects, places, times, and dates
Not recognizing family and friends, or not recalling their names
Forgetting one's own phone number or address
Difficulty finding your way to or from a familiar place
Tendency to wander from home or office
Forgetting to eat or maintain one's hygiene
Day/night disorientation with difficulty sleeping
Noticeable language and intellectual decline
Poor judgment, inability to follow simple instructions or stay focused on a task
Progressive sense of distrust
Dulled emotions or interest in activities
Depression
Unusual agitation and irritability
Hallucinations or delusions
Chronic Illness and the Brain
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a brain-related chronic illness like depression, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease, you may find yourself searching for information and answers to your questions.
You're not alone. These diseases affect millions upon millions of people in the U.S. Their effects are far-reaching, extending beyond those with chronic illnesses to include their families, friends, and colleagues. This is why it's important to address the concerns of people suffering from brain-related diseases as well as those who care about—and for—them.
Chronic, by definition, means long lasting or recurring. Chronic illnesses affecting the body include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Examples of common chronic brain-related health conditions include depression, epilepsy, and stroke.
Some brain disorders, like stroke or head injury, are most commonly the result of damage to brain tissues. Other brain-related disorders are caused by progressive failure and death of nerve cells—this is known as "neurodegeneration," and occurs in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. As we age, our brain becomes more vulnerable to many brain disorders, and may be affected by problems elsewhere in the body.
The physical signs of some chronic illnesses begin gradually, and may not be noticeable for years. Symptoms may be mild or severe, frequent or infrequent, or they may not be evident at all on a day-to-day basis. Because so many factors affect the course of a chronic illness, it may be difficult to predict how we will feel from one day to the next.
As you read on, you will find answers to many of your questions about chronic brain-related illnesses, up-to-date information on the latest research on these diseases, and advice to help people with chronic illnesses and their caregivers.
Learning more about these diseases is important if you—or a loved one—have been diagnosed with, or are concerned about, chronic brain-related illness. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. In other words, understanding how best to cope with illness when it occurs can help you maintain a better quality of life. So let's continue, and learn more about chronic illness and the brain.
You're not alone. These diseases affect millions upon millions of people in the U.S. Their effects are far-reaching, extending beyond those with chronic illnesses to include their families, friends, and colleagues. This is why it's important to address the concerns of people suffering from brain-related diseases as well as those who care about—and for—them.
Chronic, by definition, means long lasting or recurring. Chronic illnesses affecting the body include diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Examples of common chronic brain-related health conditions include depression, epilepsy, and stroke.
Some brain disorders, like stroke or head injury, are most commonly the result of damage to brain tissues. Other brain-related disorders are caused by progressive failure and death of nerve cells—this is known as "neurodegeneration," and occurs in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. As we age, our brain becomes more vulnerable to many brain disorders, and may be affected by problems elsewhere in the body.
The physical signs of some chronic illnesses begin gradually, and may not be noticeable for years. Symptoms may be mild or severe, frequent or infrequent, or they may not be evident at all on a day-to-day basis. Because so many factors affect the course of a chronic illness, it may be difficult to predict how we will feel from one day to the next.
As you read on, you will find answers to many of your questions about chronic brain-related illnesses, up-to-date information on the latest research on these diseases, and advice to help people with chronic illnesses and their caregivers.
Learning more about these diseases is important if you—or a loved one—have been diagnosed with, or are concerned about, chronic brain-related illness. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. In other words, understanding how best to cope with illness when it occurs can help you maintain a better quality of life. So let's continue, and learn more about chronic illness and the brain.
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