neuro

Question 1

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 1

• A degenerative disease of the nervous system
• Mainly affects 60+
• Progressive, debilitative, degenerative slow
onset disease
• Unknown cause

Question 2

parkinsons pathophisiolgy

Answer 2

Progressive deterioration of nerve cells in
the brain that produce dopamine
• Dopamine is a chemical that co-ordinates
muscle movement
• Lack of dopamine results in abnormal nerve functioning = Loss of ability to control body movements

Question 3

drug therapy for Parkinson ; replace dopamine

Answer 3

Dopamine on its own does not cross blood
brain barrier so cannot be given without a
‘carrier’
• Levadopa is a drug that is converted by an
enzyme in brain to dopamine
• Examples: Sinemet & Madopar

Question 4

Alzheimer’s

Answer 4

• Form of dementia characterized by brain
shrinkage and neuron loss.
• Progressive deterioration of intellectual
and cognitive function.
• Treatment is aimed at redressing
acetylcholine

Question 5

Benzodiazepines

Answer 5

• action; Inhibits CNS and leads to anti-anxiety, sedation, muscle Action relaxation and antiepileptic effects
•side effect: Main problem is dependence (physical and Side Effect psychological) and tolerance
• ceasing treatment: Sudden abrupt cessation can result in withdrawal
symptoms (aching limbs, irritability)
Ceasing
treatment
• classification of benzodiazeopine: The difference in benzodiazepines can be described in
terms of their half life

Question 6

alzhemiers: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 6

• Block the enzyme that degrades
acetylcholine, so that more of the transmitter
is available.
• Does not improve disease outcome, but slows decline
• Examples: Donepezil, Galantamine,
Rivastigmine