AOS 2 - Parkinsons + CTE Flashcards
What is Parkinsons disease?
3 points
Death of neurons in the substantia nigra.
When neurons in the substantia nigra die, the amount of dopamine is reduced
Reduces smoothness and control of voluntary movements
What type of disease is Parkinsons?
Neurodegenerative disease
4 Key MOTOR symptoms of Parkinsons disease
Tremors
Muscle rigidity
Slowness of movement
Postural instability
3 Non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease
Problems with speech
Loss of sense of smell
Fatigue
What are two examples of treatment for Parkinsons?
Animal studies and Neuroimaging techniques
How would animal studies be useful for Parkinsons disease?
How would it work?
Allows researchers to investigate Parkinson’s disease in ways that ethically wouldn’t be allowed using humans.
Animals might be induced with Parkinson’s disease, and then treated with experimental medication to determine its effectiveness.
Which neuroimaging techniques would be useful for Parkinsons disease?
How would it work?
PET and/or fMRI scans can be used to measure changes in brain structure and activity.
Measure brain activity of Parkinson’s sufferers compared with non-Parkinson’s sufferers.
What is a Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
Causes?
Progressive brain condition thought to be caused by repeated concussions + hard hits to the head
4 Symptoms of CTE
Mood changes
Anxiety + depression
Difficulty in decision-making
Short-term memory loss
How is CTE diagnosed?
2 points
No test to definitively diagnose CTE - Definitively diagnosed post-mortem
Diagnosed based on past participation in contact sports + presenting symptoms
2 Neuroimaging techniques that may be helpful when diagnosing a CTE?
MRI + CT scans may identify changes, but CTE may not be seen on all brain scans
How does CTE present in the brain?
3 points
Reduced brain weight
Atrophy of the cerebral cortex (especially in the frontal and temporal lobes)
Death of nerve cells in the brain
Are there treatments for CTE?
No long-term treatments.
Temporary medications to manage behavioural changes (atypical antipsychotics)
What happens during stage ONE of CTE?
2 points
Headaches
Loss of concentration/attention
What happens during stage TWO of CTE?
3 points
Depression
Explosivity
Short-term memory loss
