5.2 Disorders of the Basal Ganglia: Parkinson’s Disease Flashcards
What are the five primary symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease? What are the criteria necessary for diagnosis of Parkinson’s based on these symptoms?
- Resting tremor
- Rigidity
- Akinesia
- Bradykinesia
- Gait change
Must have at least two, and at least one must be tremor/bradykinesia.
What are the five overarching categories of non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms?
- Personality/behaviour
- Autonomic
- Sensory
- Cognition/mental
- Sleep problems
What are some personality/behavioural symptoms of Parkinson’s?
- Depression
- Fear
- Passivitiy
What are some autonomic symptoms of Parkinson’s?
- Bladder problems
- Constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
What are some sleep related symptoms of Parkinson’s?
- Increased sleep fragmentation
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
What are some sensory symptoms of Parkinson’s?
- Pain
- Numbness
Within 20 years of diagnosis __% of patients with Parkinson’s will have developed dementia.
80%. (80/20 rule)
Can you be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Dementia without Parkinson’s? If not, what is it referred to as?
- No. That would be stupid.
- Instead, we refer to it as dementia with Lewy bodies.
What are the biggest predictors of quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s?
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
There is no definitive test for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. What is the basic algorithm?
- IF someone presents with motor symptoms…
- AND there is no other obvious diagnosis…
- AND there is a positive response to L-dopa
- We diagnose Parkinson’s
Does Parkinson’s disease begin suddenly? How long is average survival afterward?
- No; it begins insidiously
- Average survival is 12 years
What symptoms can be found in a Parkinson’s patient DECADES before the disease?
- Loss of sense of smell
- REM sleep behaviour disorder
- GI changes (e.g. constipation)
- Depression
Describe the five stages of Parkinson’s disease
Stage 1: Unilateral motor dysfunction
Stage 2: Bilateral motor dysfunction
Stage 3: Worsening symptoms, but still independent
Stage 4: severe disability, but still able to walk
Stage 5: Wheelchair/bed bound unless assisted
True or false: people with Parkinson’s disease are the only people who experience dopaminergic loss
- False
- Everyone experiences it while they age
- They just experience it faster
What are symptoms that appear as part of the later stages of the natural history of Parkinson’s disease?
- Dysphagia
- Falls
- Inability to walk
- Psychosis
