Abilities:
The level at which certain actions and activities can be carried out.
Acetylcholine:
A chemical in the brain (neurotransmitter) that appears to be involved in learning and memory – Acetylcholine is greatly diminished in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Activities of daily living (ADLs):
Personal care activities necessary for everyday living, such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing and using the toilet.
Adjuvant therapy:
Treatment provided in addition to the primary treatment.
Adult day services:
Programs that provide participants with opportunities to interact with others, usually in a community center or dedicated facility.
Advance directive (living will):
A document written when in "good" health that informs your family and health care providers of your wishes for extended medical treatment in times of emergency.
Adverse reaction:
An unexpected effect of drug treatment that may range from minor to serious to life- threatening, such as an Accelerated Living Benefit
This benefit entitles the life insurance policyholder to collect the benefits before death.
acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter released at autonomic synapses and neuromuscular junctions.
alleles
One of the different forms of a gene that can exist at a single locus (spot on a chromosome) or site.
amyloid
A waxy translucent substance consisting of protein in combination with polysaccharides that is deposited in some animal organs and tissues under abnormal conditions (as Alzheimer's disease).
amyloid plaque
Build up of amyloid protein and a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
amyloid precurser protein
A gene, when mutated, causes an abnormal form of the amyloid protein to be produced. Abbreviated APP.
anti-agitation drugs
Broadly categorized type of drugs with strong sedating effects.
anti-anxiety drug
Also called anxiolytics, this drug help manage a patient who has anxiety.
anti-psychotic drug
Also called neuroleptics, this type of drug is used to help manage behavioral problems for a patient with a serious mental disorder.
antibiotics
A broad category of drugs used to address infections within patients.
antidepressants
An anti-agitation drug to manage behavioral problems of a patient who suffers from depression.
anxiolytic
A drug that relieves anxiety.
APOE
The abbreviation for apolipoprotein E - a gene that codes for a protein in lipoproteins (complexes of fat + protein).
apolipoprotein E (APOE)
A gene that codes for a protein in lipoproteins (complexes of fat + protein). The abbreviation for apolipoprotein E is ApoE.
APP
A gene, when mutated, causes an abnormal form of the amyloid protein to be produced. APP stands for amyloid precurser protein.
autosomal dominant inheritance
A gene on one of the autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) that, if present, will almost always produce a specific trait or disease.
axon
A long fiber of a nerve cell (a neuron) that acts somewhat like a fiber-optic cable carrying outgoing messages.
beta amyloid
An amyloid derived from a larger precursor protein and is a component of the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
beta-secretase
An enzyme that catalyses the splitting of interior peptide bonds in a protein. Beta-secretase acts by trimming off a protein protruding from a brain cell. This small snip is thought to be the first step in the buildup of microscopic balls of debris known as amyloid that are toxic to brain cells.
blinded study
A research study in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group.
Care manager
In medicine or public health,one who applies his/her knowledge to the benefit of a community or individual.
Case manager
One who handles patient with instance of disease with its attendant circumstances.
celecoxib
An anti-inflammatory drug thought to reduce Alzheimer's risk in persons with a family history of dementia.
cerebrospinal
Of or relating to the brain and spinal cord or to these together with the cranial and spinal nerves that innervate voluntary muscles.
cerebrovascular disease
Disease of the cerebrum and the blood vessels supplying it.
cholinesterase inhibitors
Class of drugs known to delay the breakdown of acetylcholine.
chromosome
A visible carrier of the genetic information.
circadian rhythm
The sleep/wake cycle.
cognitive
Pertaining to cognition, the process of being aware, knowing, thinking, learning and judging.
congregate housing
Group housing or independent living facilities available to elderly and disabled, with private living quarters and common dining and social areas.
control group
The standard by which experimental observations are evaluated.
CT scan
Pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them into pictures on a screen. CT stands for computerized tomography.
declarative memory
Recalling newly learned information about people, places and things.
dementia
Significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning.
donepezil
A drug currently approved in preventing the development of Alzheimer's in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
dopamine
An amino acid that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
double-blind study
A research study where neither the participants nor the study staff know which participants are receiving the experimental treatment and which ones are getting either a standard treatment or a placebo.
double-masked study
A research study where neither the participants nor the study staff know which participants are receiving the experimental treatment and which ones are getting either a standard treatment or a placebo.
durable power of attorney
Elder law attorney
A paid professional who helps ensure a loved one's eliability for Medicaid and protect his or her assets.
enzymes
Complex proteins that are produced by living cells and bring about specific biochemical reactions at body temperature.
epidemiological
All the factors that deal with incidence, distribution and control of disease in a population.
epidemiological study
Population-based research study.
estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen deficiency can lead to osteoporosis.
family practice
The medical specialty which provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and family. It is the specialty in breadth which integrates the biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences. The scope of family practice encompasses all ages, both sexes, each organ system, and every disease entity. (From the American Academy of Family Physicians)
free radicals
a molecule or atom that contains an unpaired electron, but is neither positively or negatively charged. They are usually highly reactive and unstable.
gamma secretase
An enzyme partly responsible for plaque buildup in the brain characteristic of Alzheimer’s.
gastrointestinal
Of, relating to, affecting, or including both stomach and intestine.
gene expression
The screening of large numbers of genes to see whether they're active under certain conditions.
general practitioner
A physician whose practice is not limited to a specialty.
geratric psychiatrist
A specialist in the branch of medicine concerned with both the prevention of illness in older people and psychiatry.
geriatric care manager
Functions as a surrogate family member when the actual family is unable to interact with Medicaid.
geriatrics
The branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in older people and the problems specific to aging.
Gingko biloba
A natural product currently the focus as a potential treatment for Alzheimers and vascular dementia.
glia
Supporting tissue that is intermingled with the essential elements of nervous tissue especially in the brain and spinal cord.
guardian
A court supervised decision maker imposed involuntarily by the court.
healthcare power of attorney
hippocampus
An area buried deep in the forebrain that helps regulate emotion and memory.
homocysteine
A group of corresponding amino acids found in proteins.
hospice
A facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for supplying the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill.
Ibuprofen
A non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and fever.
income test
A means-tested cash assistance program that forms an important part of the safety net for the elderly, blind and disabled.
indomethacin
A non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug,analgesic, used especially in treating arthritis.
inflammation
A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain. Inflammation is now recognized as a type of nonspecific immune response.
internal medicine
A medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A special radiology technique designed to image internal structures of the body using magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce the images of body structures.
masked study
A research study in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group.
MCI
A syndrome of memory impairment that does not significantly impact daily activities and is not accompanied by declines in overall cognitive function. Abbreviation for mild cognitive impairment.
Medicare Part A
Helps pay for care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, home healthcare and hospice care.
Medicare Part B
Helps pay for doctors, outpatient hospital care and other medical services not requiring hospitalization.
mild cognitive impairment
A syndrome of memory impairment, and diminished awareness or judgement.
mitochondria
The mitochondria are round or long parts of a organelle or tissue cell. They consist of two sets of membranes and are located in the cell's cytoplasm outside the nucleus.
MRI
A special radiology technique designed to image internal structures of the body using magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce the images of body structures. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
naproxen
An anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of rheumatoid conditions.
neurodegenerative
Relating to or characterized by degeneration of nervous tissue.
neurofibrillary tangles
A fine fiber found in cytoplasm signalling an abnormality of the hippocampus and neurons of the cerebral cortex that occurs especially in Alzheimer's disease.
neuroleptics
A term that refers to the effects of antipsychotic drugs on a patient, especially on his or her cognition and behavior.
neurologist
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
neuron
One of the cells that constitute nervous tissue, that have the property of transmitting and receiving nervous impulses.
neuropsychiatrist
A specialist in the branch of medicine concerned with both neurology and psychiatry.
neuropsychological
Concerned with the integration of psychological observations on behavior and the mind with neurological observations on the brain and nervous system.
neuropsychologist
A psychologist who has completed special training in the neurobiological causes of brain disorders, and who specializes in diagnosing and treating these illnesses using a predominantly medical (as opposed to psychoanalytical) approach.
neurotransmitter
A substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses from one cell to another across a synapse.
non-pharmacological
Various strategies aimed at managing problematic behaviors, including therapy, changes in the home or environment and the use of appropriate communication techniques.
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of a number of commonly prescribed medications for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendinitis and bursitis. Abbreviated NSAIDS.
NSAIDs
One of a number of commonly prescribed medications for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendinitis and bursitis. NSAIDs stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
outpatient
A patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic or facility for diagnosis or treatment.
oxidative stress
This is caused by the release of molecules from normal cellular processes.
paranoid delusion
An abnormal mental state characterized by suspiciousness and/or persecutory trends.
pathological
Due to or involving disease.
pathology
The study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them.
peptide
Small molecular fragments that come from two or more amino acids by combining the amino group of one acid to the carboxyl group of another. They are obtained by partial hydrolysis of proteins.
PET
Positron emission tomography, a highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radioactive substances. This technique produces three-dimensional colored images.
pharmacological
The properties and reactions of drugs especially with relation to their therapeutic value and medical toxicology.
phosphate
A form of phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphate makes bones and teeth hard.
phosphorylation
Phosphorylation is a biochemical process that involves the addition of phosphate to an organic compound.
placebo
A "sugar pill" or any dummy medication or treatment.
plaque
A localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface.
positron emission topography
A highly specialized imaging technique using short-lived radioactive substances. This technique produces three-dimensional colored images. Abbreviated PET.
prednisone
A drug used as an anti-inflammatory agent especially in the treatment of arthritis, as an antineoplastic agent, and as an immunosuppressant.
presenilin 1
A gene, when mutated, causes an abnormal presenilin 1 protein to be produced.
presenilin 2
A gene, when mutated, causes an abnormal presenilin 2 protein to be produced.
progesterone
A female hormone which helps prepare the uterus (the womb) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg.
protein kinases
An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups from a high energy phosphate-containing molecule to a substrate.
protein phosphorylation
A process which alters a given protein’s activity by changing its molecular structure through the addition or removal of a kind of decoration called "phosphate."
psychosis
In the general sense, a mental illness that markedly interferes with a person's capacity to meet life's everyday demands. In a specific sense, it refers to a thought disorder in which reality testing is grossly impaired.
psychosocial
Pertaining to one's psychological development in the context of one's social environment.
receptor
A cell or group of cells that receive stimuli.
respite program
A program which enables caregivers to take needed breaks from caregiving while knowing their loved one is well taken care of.
reverse mortgage
A way of converting the equity of one's home into cash without having to sell the home.
second messengers
A substance that mediates a biological effect.
secretase
The enzyme involved in cutting amyloid into the shorter beta-amyloid form.
sedating
To dose with sedatives.
sedatives
Drugs that calm a patient down, easing agitation and permitting sleep. Sedatives generally work by modulating signals within the central nervous system.
selegiline
A drug sometimes used alone to treat endogenous depression or to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.
signal transduction
A basic process in molecular cell biology involving the conversion of a signal from outside the cell to a functional change within the cell.
synapse
The point of connection usually between two nerve cells. More specifically, a specialized junction at which a nerve cell (a neuron) communicates with a target cell.
synapsing
To form a synapse or come together in synapsis.
synaptic connection
When one nerve cell releases a chemical known as a neurotransmitter, which is detected by its neighbor nerve cell.
tangles
Twisted fibers that build up inside the nerve cells.
tau
A protein which channels chemical messages inside nerve cells.
thyroid
pertaining to the thyroid gland or to a preparation made of mammalian thyroid tissue to treat hypothyroidism.
thyroid gland
A gland located in the lower part of the neck below the Adam's apple.
transgenic
Having genetic material (DNA) from another species. This term can be applied to an organism that has genes from another organism that have been incorporated either artificially or naturally.
viatical benefits
The conversion of a life insurance policy into cash before the death of the insured.
viatical settlement company
A company that purchases life insurance policies by offering an amount typically less than the face value of the policy and pays a lump sum amount or regular installments to the policyholder.
ward
The person on whose behalf decisions are being made.
(FROM PARKINSON’S)
Glossary of Terms
Acetylcholine (noun):
a chemical messenger (transmitter) released by cholinergic nerves in the striatum area of the brain. It is involved in many brain functions, such as memory and control of motor activity. There appears to be an interplay between the actions of acetylcholine and dopamine.
Action tremor (noun):
a tremor that occurs or increases when the hand is moving voluntarily
Adjunctive (adjective):
supplemental or secondary (but not essential) to the primary agent. Sometimes used to describe medications used to enhance levodopa therapy
Agonist (noun):
a chemical or drug that enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter such as dopamine
Akinesia (noun):
delay in initiating movement; inability to move; "freezing"
Ancillary (adjective):
auxiliary; serving as an aid
Antioxidant (noun):
an agent that prevents the loss of oxygen in chemical reactions
Anxiolytic (noun):
an agent or a class of medications that reduce anxiety
Apoptosis (noun):
a form of cell death in which cells shrink and disappear. Sometimes referred to as "cell suicide". In Parkinson disease, some scientists believe that the nerve cells in the substantia nigra portion of the brain die by apoptosis.
Ataxia (noun):
loss of balance
Athetosis (noun):
slow, involuntary movements of the hands and feet
Autonomic nervous system (noun):
the system that controls involuntary body functions
Blepharospasm (noun):
involuntary clinching of the eyelid
Blood-brain barrier (noun):
the protective membrane that separates the bloodstream from brain tissue
Bradykinesia (noun):
slowness of movement
Bradyphrenia (noun):
slowness in thought processing
Chorea (noun):
excessive involuntary movements, ranging from twisting or writhing to flailing movements of the extremities
Cogwheeling (noun):
a ratchet-like movement in the joints, characteristic of Parkinson disease
Delusion (noun):
false, fixed, idiosyncratic belief, not substantiated by sensory or objective evidence
Dementia (noun):
a broad complex of symptoms such as disorientation, confusion, memory loss, impaired judgment, and alterations in mood and personality -- which symptoms can arise from a variety of causes
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) (noun):
the basic chemical substance that makes up the gene
Dysarthria (noun):
low voice volume or muffled speech
Dyskinesia (noun):
abnormal, involuntary body movements that can appear as jerking, fidgeting, twisting, and turning movements; frequently induced by medications taken by Parkinson patients. Dystonia, athetosis, and chorea are forms of dyskinesias
Dysphagia (noun):
difficulty in swallowing
Dystonia (noun):
involuntary spasms of muscle contraction which cause abnormal movements and postures
Endogenous (adjective):
originating internally; developing from within, rather than caused by external factors; the opposite of exogenous
Essential tremor (ET) (noun):
a condition more common than Parkinson disease, which often includes shaking of the hands or head, and an unsteady quality of the voice
Etiology (noun):
the causes or origins of a disease. The etiology of Parkinson disease is not known.
Exogenous (adjective):
originating externally; arising from external rather than internal factors; the opposite of endogenous
Festination (noun):
short, shuffling steps
Free radicals (noun):
toxic substances that are continuously produced by all cells of the human body
Freezing (noun):
temporary, involuntary inability to take a step or initiate movement
Glutamate (noun):
a salt or ester of glutamic acid, related to the hydrolysis of proteins
Half life (noun):
the time taken for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to decrease by one half. Drugs with a shorter half life must be taken more frequently.
Hallucinosis (noun):
a state of experiencing hallucinations
Hydrophilic (adjective):
capable of uniting with or taking up water
Hypomimia(noun):
decreased facial expression due to rigidity of facial muscles
Idiopathic (adjective):
of unknown origin
Lewy bodies (noun):
pink-staining spheres found in nerve cells, considered to be a pathological marker for Parkinson disease
Livido reticularis (noun):
purplish or bluish mottling of the skin caused by certain medications taken by Parkinson patients
Micrographia (noun):
small, cramped handwriting
Myoclonus (noun):
abrupt, jerking movements of the arms or legs, usually occurring during sleep
Neuroleptics (noun):
drugs that block dopamine receptors, usually prescribed to treat psychiatric symptoms
Neuron (noun):
a cell that generates or conducts electrical impulses to carry information from one part of the brain to another
Neurotransmitter (noun):
a biochemical substance (such as dopamine, acetylcholine, or norepinephrine) that carries impulses from one nerve cell to another
Neurotrophic factors (noun):
substances that prevent nerve cells from committing apoptosis
Norepinephrine (noun):
chemical transmitter involved in regulating the involuntary nervous system
Off-On phenomena (noun):
sudden, unpredictable changes in motor performance by patients on levodopa therapy
Orthostatic hypotension (noun):
a drop in blood pressure upon standing; can cause fainting
Palsy (noun):
paralysis of a muscle group
Pathogenesis (noun):
the production or development of a disease
PET (positron emission tomography) (noun):
an imaging method that allows one to visualize brain dopamine systems following the injection of a radioactive analog of levodopa (fluorodopa)
Pharmacodynamics (noun):
the study of the relationship of drug concentration to drug effect -- what the drug does to the body
Pharmacokinetics (noun):
the study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs -- what the body does to the drug
Postural tremor (noun):
the rhythmic shaking of the hands with arms outstretched
Resting tremor:
characteristic tremor that occurs as one of the primary symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, typically present in arm, leg, lips, chin or tongue. Occurs or exacerbates when at rest; decreases with active motions.
Rigidity (noun):
increased resistance noted to the passive movement of a limb
Sialorrhea (noun):
drooling; increased salivation
Striatum (noun):
the area of the brain that controls movement, balance, and walking
Substantia nigra (noun):
area of the brain where cells produce dopamine
Wearing-off phenomena (noun):
waning of the effects of a dose of levodopa prior to the scheduled time for the next dose, resulting in decreased motor performance
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