Pancreatic Cancer

Definition The pancreas is a glandular organ that secretes enzymes to aid digestion, and hormones to regulate the metabolism of sugars. It is located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the pancreas. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common form…

Lewy Body Dementia

Definition Lewy Body Dementia, or Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a progressive, degenerative disease that shares characteristics with both Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. It is caused by the abnormal accumulation of microscopic protein clumps in the brain that disrupt mental functioning and cause the brain to slowly deteriorate. DLB…

Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Definition Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, and causes loss of memory, changes in behavior, and deficits in language skills. There is no cure, and its cause and progression are poorly understood. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia,…

Adult-Onset Huntington’s Disease

Definition Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, neurodegenerative genetic disorder that causes the progressivebreakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and behavioral changes. Symptoms typically manifest themselves in mid-adult life. The disease was formerly known as, “Huntington’s Chorea” because symptoms commonly include abnormal,…

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A. Definition Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive, invariably fatal, neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord. Amyotrophic comes from the Greek language and means “no muscle nourishment.” When a muscle has no nourishment, it wastes…