A Brief Synopsis of Select Neurological Disorders
-- Introduction
Background
Four diseases are presented that are commonly considered neurological disorders.
The first two -- Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis -- involve purely
motor function. The second one -- Parkinson's Disease -- is usually considered
primarily a motor disorder but it may have an important psychological component.
And the last disease -- Alzheimer's Disease -- is considered primarily
a cognitive disorder but it has pronounced affective dysfunction. The neural
systems involved in the first three of these four disorders are well understood.
Effective treatments have been developed for two (i.e., Myasthenia Gravis,
Parkinson's Disease). One of the diseases (i.e., Alzheimer's Disease) is
so common in older people (from 10% aged 65 and over to around 50% aged
85 and older) that it was once considered a natural stage of old age (e.g.,
"everyone gets it who lives long enough"). Psychologists have important
roles in the management of all of these disorders. In the first two cases
that involve primarily motor dysfunction (i.e., Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple
Sclerosis), psychologists help the patient adjust to the personal restrictions
demanded by their more limited mobility and to cope with the psychological
stress that often accompanies any progressive neurological disorder. In
the second two conditions (i.e., Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease),
psychologists play a more critical role in managing the cognitive and "psychological"
components of these disorders (e.g., affective changes, cognitive impairment).
Copyright 2001 Michael A. Bozarth
Revised 07 November 2001 19:51 EST
Report technical problems to: bozarth@buffalo.edu