|
Alzheimer's
Brain and Spinal Tumors
Cerebral Palsy
Epilepsy
Mental Retardation
Parkinson's
Stroke
Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-associated "neurodegenerative" disorder. It affects 5 percent of all adults over 65 years of age and 25 percent of those over 80 years old. AD can cause memory and personality changes, confusion, and a decline in cognitive (thinking) ability. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. At the present time, there is no cure and no known cause. National Mental Health Association Alzheimer's Association National Institute on Aging
The National Institute of Aging provides information on Alzheimer's through its Alzheimer's Disease, Education and Referral Center. Back to Top
Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Brain and Spinal Cord injury is defined as any trauma that leads to the injury of these organs. Injuries may range from a minor bump on the skull to a more severe and devastating brain or spinal cord injury. A brain injury is also called a head injury. A severe head injury may often be accompanied by a spinal injury. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in the United States for people ages one through thirty-five. Head Injury
For more detailed information on brain injuries, such as its causes, signs, and symptoms, visit Head Injury from Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is any direct or indirect injury to the spinal cord or surrounding tissue. Spinal cord injuries may be caused by motor vehicle or sports accidents, falls, accidents at home or work, and by physical assaults. For details, access Common Questions about Spinal Cord Injury from the National Spinal Cord Injury Association website. NINDS Spasticity Information Page
Spasticity is a common symptom of brain and spinal cord injuries where muscles contract, leading to stiffness or tightness. This interferes with normal daily activities such as walking, speaking, and eating. To learn more about this condition, visit the NINDS Spasticity Information Page. Brain Injury Association of America
The Brain Injury Association of America provides helpful information at its national website. Back to Top
Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually during the development of the fetus, before, during or shortly after birth, or during infancy. Faulty development, or damage to areas of the brain, disrupts the brain's ability to control movement and posture adequately. United Cerebral Palsy
To learn more about cerebral palsy, visit the United Cerebral Palsy website. National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke (NINDS)
The National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke (NINDS) provides helpful information on cerebral palsy. March of Dimes
The March of Dimes provides a fact sheet for individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy. Back to Top
Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. A seizure is usually described as an abnormal spasm of limbs and body muscles, generated by more than normal electrical activity in the brain. There are different types of seizures. A patient may lose consciousness for a short period of time. It is possible to have more than one type of epilepsy but with medication, patients can live a normal life. Epilepsy Foundation
If you want to learn more about epilepsy, visit the Epilepsy Foundation website. National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities has published a fact sheet on epilepsy. Back to Top
Mental Retardation Mental retardation is the most common developmental disorder. There is a higher incidence of mental retardation in boys and African American children. It is usually identified in children between the ages of six to ten. Mental retardation can occur before, during, or after a child is born. In most cases, there is no known cause for this condition. However, it is sometimes caused by genetic mutation or abnormalities, injury, or disease. The most common known causes of congenital mental retardation are down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and fragile X syndrome. Although most other mental retardation conditions cannot be prevented, conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are preventable. Pregnant woman can prevent FAS simply by not drinking during pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control
To learn more about FAS, visit the Centers for Disease Control website. Genetics Home Reference
The National Library of Medicine provides the Genetics Home Reference for consumer information about genetic conditions causing mental retardation (or any disease). Back to Top
Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common "neurodegenerative" disorder next to Alzheimer's. It usually occurs after age 50 and presently, there is no cure and no known prevention. American Parkinson's Disease Association National Parkinson Foundation Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) is a national non-profit organization devoted to education, advocacy, and the funding of research. American Occupational Therapy Association
The American Occupational Therapy Association hosts the following article: "Parkinson's Disease, How Occupational Therapy Can Help". Back to Top
Stroke Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain is ruptured. Patients will experience sudden numbness or weakness of one side of body, confusion, loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of balance, or dizziness. People with hypertension, heart problems, diabetes and who smoke have a higher risk of stroke. National Stroke Association American Stroke Association National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides comprehensive information on stroke and stroke research. Stroke
Stroke is an official journal of the American Heart Association. You can research articles and literature on their website. Back to Top
|