Chapter 22 - CNS Part 3 Flashcards
What is the result of cerebellar degeneration?
Ataxia
What is the result of motor neuron degeneration?
Weakness
What is the result of degeneration of the cortex?
Memory, language, insight/planning issues
What is dementia?
Impaired memory and cognition along with personality changes accompanied with decreased functioning
What is the most common cause of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
After the age of 85, what is the frequency for Alzheimer’s disease?
50%
What kind of plaques are associated with Alzheimer’s disease?
Beta-amyloid
What is the resulting substance from the neuronal degeneration of Alzheimer’s disease?
Tau proteins
What happens to the brain in Alzheimer’s disease?
Neurotoxicity, decreased neurotransmission, cortical atrophy
How long does it usually take to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease?
5-10 years
What chromosome abnormality based condition is associated with the 10% genetic predisposition of Alzheimer’s disease?
Down Syndrome
Is Alzheimer’s disease widely genetic?
No (only 10%)
What is the culprit for CNS degeneration?
Abnormal protein accumulation
What is the most common cause of Parkinsonism?
Parkinson’s disease
What is Parkinsonism?
Abnormal motor function, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, instability
What neurons are damaged in Parkinsonism?
Dopaminergic neurons
What specific CNS areas are affected by Parkinsonism?
Substantia nigra, cortex, medulla, pons
What CNS neural activity is altered in Parkinsonism?
Synaptic transmission (most commonly involving dopamine)
Is Parkinsonism always caused by Parkinson’s disease?
No (just most commonly)
A Lewy body is a cluster of what protein?
Alpha-synuclein
What type of inclusion is associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Lewy bodies
Pallor of the substantia nigra is associated with what neurological disease?
Parkinson’s
What is the usual age of onset for Parkinson’s disease?
45-65 years
How long does it typically take for Parkinson’s to become immobilizing?
10-15 years
What type of gait is associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Festinating gait
Pill-rolling of the thumb and index fingers along with cogwheel rigidity is associated with what neurological disease?
Parkinson’s disease
What is usually the cause of death of those with Parkinson’s?
Frequent falls, infection (pneumonia)
What is the condition when dementia is present within one year of motor symptoms (Parkinson’s)?
Lewy body dementia
What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
L-DOPA (increases dopamine), deep brain stimulator
What is the genetic pattern of Huntington disease?
Autosomal dominant
What is the genetic factor involved in Huntington disease?
Huntington gene, trinucleotide repeat: CAG (anticipation generation by generation)
What inclusion is involved with Huntington disease?
Huntingtin protein
Cerebral atrophy due to Huntington disease is prominent at what CNS locations?
Caudate and putamen nuclei
What is the typical age of delayed onset of Huntington disease?
30-40 year old (don’t forget it is still an inherited disease
Chorea of the entire body is associated with what condition?
Huntington disease
Huntington disease is most commonly lethal after how many years?
About 15
How do those with Huntington disease typically die?
Pneumonia, injuries, choking, suicide
What neurological condition is uniquely associated with both lower and upper motor neuron death?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
What locations and tracts are affected with the lower motor neuron death seen in ALS?
Corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts, anterior horn cells, ventral nerve roots
What general locations of the CNS are affected with lower motor neuron death seen in ALS?
Spinal cord and brainstem