406 E2 - Parkinsons Flashcards
Parkinson Disease Definition
a progressive, degenerative disorder of basal ganglia function
what are the basal ganglia
-function w/ cerebellum to make smooth, coordinated movement
-the substantia nigra in the basil ganglia has cells that produce dopamine this is the part we are most concerned with
Parkinsonism: primary
-idiopathic = parkinson’s disease
-genetic or sporadic
Parkinsonism: secondary
acquired by: infection, intoxication, trauma & drug induced
parkinson’s disease risk factors
-age: >60, peak @ 70
-gender (male)
-genetic: both dominant and recessive
emerging risk factors for parkinson’s disease
-environmental exposures
-depression
-head trauma
-hysterectomy
-coffee consumptions (non consumption)
neurotransmitters
enable neurotransmission -> essentially they communicate between the neurons and they travel across the synapses and either block or facilitate the relay of the stimulus
dopamine has what type of effect
inhibitory and excitatory -> depends one what type of receptor it binds to
what type of dopamine effect is lacking with Parkinson’s disease?
inhibitory effects
how does dopamine work
helps muscles work smoothly, controllably and without unwanted movement by inhibiting unnecessary movements
increases coordination, balance and muscle control
acetylcholine (ACH) is what type of neurotransmitter
excitatory
what does acetylcholine do
stimulates muscle movement and can cause uncoordinated movement
essential for muscle function and works w/ dopamine in a balanced state
if dopamine levels decline and acetylcholine levels stay the same, what happens to muscle movement
coordinated muscle movement decreases
in parkinson’s what is the relationship ration between dopamine & ACH
too much ACH in relation to dopamine -> resulting in loss of coordinated movement
what happens to dopamine in primary Parkinson’s
there is damage to the dopamine producing cells
