Other CNS Diseases

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills and speech. It is caused by degeneration of neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is characterized by tremors, slowed movement, stiffness and difficulty in walking. It is associated with abnormal accumulations of alpha-synuclein protein. As many as 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. Upto 50% of Parkinson's patients also have Alzheimer's disease.

Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal disease with profound neurological and behavioral features. HD is typically characterized by uncontrollable movements and psychological disturbances. It is caused by a detectable genetic mutation that can be passed from generation to generation. Currently, there are no treatments for HD.

Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick's Disease)

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) accounts for 18% of dementias in people under 65 years of age. It frequently manifests itself as a behavioral disturbance, and can progress to impair an individual's capacity for independent thought and function. Recent studies have uncovered genetic factors that contribute to FTD, however no treatment yet exists to block the brain deterioration it causes.