By Guest Columnist Dr. Stephanie Duguid
Our most recent speaker through the Mississippi Health Ambassador Initiative was Dr. Juebin Huang from The University of Mississippi Medical Center, who discussed neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are among the most complex and devastating health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, including many here in Mississippi. These diseases progressively destroy brain cells, impairing memory, movement, and overall function. Some of the most common include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington’s disease (HD).
In the United States alone, approximately 6.2 million people live with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 1 million are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward improving care and seeking treatment options for those in need.
Neurodegenerative diseases primarily affect two significant areas of function:
Cognitive Disorders: Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia impair memory, reasoning, and communication. Alzheimer’s accounts for 50-70% of dementia cases.
Motor Disorders: Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and ALS primarily affect movement, coordination, and muscle control.
While these diseases share similarities, their underlying causes and symptoms vary significantly. Scientists are working hard to find new treatments, and advancements in genetic research and therapy bring hope for better care and management.
Alzheimer’s disease, first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906, is characterized by the buildup of plagues and tangles in the brain, which disrupt neural communication.
The disease progresses in stages:
Mild: Memory loss, language difficulties, and mood changes.
Moderate: Confusion, personality changes, and difficulty completing daily activities.
Severe: Loss of motor function, inability to communicate, and need for full-time care.
While there is no cure, FDA-approved treatments such as Donepezil (Aricept) and Memantine (Namenda) help manage symptoms. Recently, disease-modifying therapies like Lecanemab (Leqembi) and Donanemab (Kisunla) have shown promise in slowing progression.
Parkinson’s disease, first described in 1817, affects dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Its symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance issues. Treatment focuses on restoring dopamine levels through medication, deep brain stimulation, and physical therapy.
Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder affecting 30,000 Americans, is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 50 and include involuntary movements, mood changes, and cognitive decline. Because it is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease.
Living with a neurodegenerative disease presents many challenges, but caregivers and families can take important steps to improve quality of life:
Stay Active: Regular physical exercise can help slow progression and maintain mobility.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports brain health.
Cognitive Stimulation: Reading, puzzles, and social interaction can help preserve cognitive function.
Medication Management: Work closely with a healthcare provider to adjust treatment as needed.
Seek Support: Mississippi offers resources such as The MIND Center, caregiver support groups, and The Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Center.
While neurodegenerative diseases remain incurable, advancements in gene therapy and drug research offer hope. Clinical trials at the HDSA Center of Excellence at UMMC are exploring new treatments, and organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the ALS Association continue to fund groundbreaking studies.
Mississippi families facing these diseases do not have to navigate them alone. By increasing awareness, supporting research, and expanding access to care, we can improve the lives of those affected and work toward a future where these conditions are more manageable—even preventable.
For more information, visit the HDSA Center of Excellence at UMMC or contact local support organizations. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Stephanie Duguid is owner of Do Good ProHealth (CPR Classes) and Do Good Leadership (motivational speaking, and leadership and success coaching). She is also a Mississippi Health Ambassador.
Comments