Neurology Expert's Statement on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
On the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day, experts shared the reasons for the spread of neurodegenerative diseases, risk factors, and migraine statistics.
Prof. Dr. Murat Gültekin, Head of the Neurology Department at ERÜ Faculty of Medicine, shared the reasons for the increase in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, environmental factors, and migraine statistics with the public in a statement made on the occasion of September 21 World Alzheimer's Day.
Change in the Frequency of Diseases
Experts stated that there is a noticeable increase in the frequency of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's today compared to past years.
Main Causes and Factors of the Increase
In addition to the prolongation of expected life span, many elements such as environmental factors, genetic characteristics, living environment, and climate changes play a role in the development of these diseases.
Global and National Migraine Statistics
According to World Health Organization data, headache and migraine rank at the top among neurological disorders leading to disability. It was stated that more than 1 billion 200 million people worldwide and approximately 16 million people in Turkey suffer from migraines.
Risk Factors for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Advanced age, female gender, lack of education, family history of dementia, head trauma, and depression experienced in advanced ages are among the main risk factors for Alzheimer's.
Impact of Other Health Problems
Health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, vision and hearing loss increase the risk of Alzheimer's, while the consumption of well water at an early age poses a risk for Parkinson's.