Degenerative Neurological Disorders

Question 1

Describe MS

Answer 1

Immune system attacks myelin that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between brain and rest of body. Eventually nerves can degenerate

Question 2

Describe PD

Answer 2

Substantia nigra in brain deteriorates. Lewy bodies(proteins) accumulate and form in neurons and disrupt the signals the nerves are trying to send

REDUCTION IN dopaminergic neurons, descrease in activity in basal ganglia,

REDUCTION IN spontaneous movement, speed of movement and initiation of movement
Increased tremors

Question 3

Describe AD

Answer 3

Accumulation of plaques that interfere with neuron communication.
accumulation of tangles which disrupt the nutrient transport system within your brain and lead to neuron death

Question 4

ALS

Answer 4

Motor neurons in spinal cord, brain stem and motor cortex are destroyed.
Affects voluntary and involuntary movements

Question 5

Huntington’s Disease, Describe

Answer 5

Genetic mutation that stimultaes degeneration of neurons in brain at a young age. Causes problems with movement, cognition and psychiatric disorders

Question 6

What is the typical age of onset for MS, PD, AD, ALS, and HD?

Answer 6

MS: 15-60 years
PD:55+
AD:65+
ALS:40-70
HD:40

Question 7

T/F there are cognitive changes in ALS

Answer 7

False

Question 8

Name a few sx of early stageMS

Answer 8

Parethesia
Dipolpia
Fatigue
Emotional lability
Sensory loss in extremities
Cognitive deficits

Question 9

Name a few sx of advanced stage MS

Answer 9

Paralysis
Dysarthria, dysphagia
Severe visual impairment
Ataxia
Spasticity
Nystagmus
Neurogenic bladder
Impaired cognition

Question 10

Name the 3 patterns of MS

Answer 10

1. Relapsing and remitting
2. Secondary progressive
3. Primary progressive

Question 11

Sx of early stage PD

Answer 11

Unilateral resting tremor, micrographia,
poor endurance and fatigue
Mild rigidity,
stooped posture

Question 12

Sx of mid stage PD

Answer 12

Balance problems
Delayed reactions
Severely impaired fine motor skills
Oral motor deficits
Sig. deficits in completing ADLs

Question 13

Sx of late stage PD

Answer 13

Dependent on ADLs

Typically confined to w/c or bed

Question 14

Sx of early stage AD

Answer 14

Anxious
Mild problems with memory
Difficulty with word choice and attention
Decline in job performance
Socially and physically intact

Question 15

Sx of mid stage AD

Answer 15

Anxious
Hostile
Paranoia
Moderate memory loss with gaps in personal history and current events
Visuospatial deficits
Descreased sociability
Unemployed
Moderate impairment in ADL and IADL

Question 16

Sx of Late stage AD

Answer 16

Severe memory impairment
Forgets family names
Confused in familiar settings
Distrubed gait and balance
Difficulty communicating (Grunts or single words)
Incontinence

Question 17

What are some interventions for MS?

Answer 17

Education
Problem solving with compensatory strategies
Time and energy management

Question 18

What are some interventions for PD?

Answer 18

Education
Work simplification
Time and rest management
Utensils with built up handles
Home mods
Oral-motor exercises

Question 19

What are some interventions for AD?

Answer 19

Education
Use auditory, visual and knesthetic input when teaching a new task
Simplify instructions
Maintain socialization activities
Environmental adapations
Dysphagia techniques
Positioning

Question 20

Intervetions for ALS?

Answer 20

Energy conservation
Educations
Strenthening program
Adapt tasks
Orthotic support
ROM
Pain and spasm management
Sensory stimulation with massage and skin care

Question 21

Interventions for HD

Answer 21

Address memory and concentration deficits
Energy conservation
Positioning for ADLs
Splinting to prevent contractures