Anatomy of neurodegeneration

Question 1

Characteristics of neuro-degenerative disease

Answer 1

Affect specific parts of CNS

Begin insidiously and progress gradually

Question 2

Pathophys of Alzheimer’s

Answer 2

Tau tangles and B-amyloid plaques

Question 3

Sx Huntington’s

Answer 3

Muscle changes due to decreased ATP production
Osteoporosis
Decreased testosterone and insulin
Depression and psychosis

Question 4

Pathophys Huntington’s

Answer 4

Lack of dopamine in caudate nucleus

Question 5

Parkinsonian triad

Answer 5

Tremor, rigidity, postural instability

Question 6

Pathiphys Parkinson’s

Answer 6

Substantia nigra in basal ganglia - decreased dopamine

Question 7

Sx cerebellar injury

Answer 7

D = dysdiadochokinesia 
A = ataxia
N = nystagmus 
I = intention tremor
S = slurred speech 
H = hypotonia

Question 8

multiple systems atrophy

Answer 8

Shy-drager syndrome
Autonomic failure and cerebellar degeneration
Hot cross bun sign on cerebellar MRI

Question 9

Tx Multiple systems atrophy

Answer 9

L-dopa or anticholinergics

Question 10

Progressive supranuclear palsy

Answer 10

Degeneration of brainstem
Supra-nuclear gaze palsy - can’t look up
Pseudobulbar palsy - pt suddenly very jovial/emotional

Question 11

Hereditary spastic paraparesis

Answer 11

Scissoring gait / spastic gait
presents in childhood/early adulthood
Thin corpus callous