Answer :
Final answer:
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of progressive dementia in older adults, characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques due to improper protein function. Other neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease also contribute to dementia. These diseases generally worsen over time due to the death of neurons in the nervous system.
Explanation:
The most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults is Alzheimer's disease, an incurable degenerative neurologic disease. Alzheimer's disease, in particular, is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the elderly and is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are dense conglomerations of a protein that is not functioning correctly. The disease affects an estimated 5.4 million Americans as of 2012, with costs for their care estimated to be around $200 billion.
Neurodegenerative disorders, in general, involve the loss of nervous system functioning due to neuronal death. These diseases, including Alzheimer's, progressively worsen over time as more and more neurons die, which leads to worsening symptoms. Other neurodegenerative disorders include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Parkinson's disease, similar to Alzheimer's, is a neurodegenerative disorder, leading to the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, a midbrain structure that regulates movement. Symptoms include tremor, slowed movement, speech changes, balance and posture problems, and rigid muscles.
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease here:
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