Parkinson's Flashcards
Parkinson’s is a loss of d______ n____ from a substantia nigra p___ c_____
dopaminergic neurons
pars compacta
True or false: Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative disorder
False
2nd most common after dementia
What are risk factors for Parkinson’s?
Family history
Male
Age
However smoking seems to be protective
How is movement normally initiated?
Nigrostriatal pathway signals the striatum to stop firing to substantia nigra pars reticulata. Therefore movement inhibition is stopped and allows movement to occur.
What is degenerated in Parkinson’s, making it harder to initiate movement?
Substantia nigra pars compacta
What are symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Bradykinesia
Resting tremor
Rigidity
Postural instability
Anosmia
Constipation
Shuffling gait with less arm swing
Pill rolling thumb
Cogwheel forearm
Depression
Cognitive impairment
Memory problems
True or false: Parkinson’s is typically symmetrical
False
Typically unilateral
How do you diagnose Parkinson’s?
Clinical = bradykinesia with at least one other symptom
How do you manage Parkinson’s?
Moderate/severely symptomatic:
LDOPA and decarboxylase inhibitor (prevents breakdown of levodopa)
eg Beneldopa - contains 2 meds in
What is the problem of using LDOPA for Parkinson’s?
The body becomes resistant to it and the effects wear off so don’t want to give LDOPA too early
What structure is associated with Parkinson’s and can lead to dementia or vice versa?
Lewy bodies (unknown function)
What is the classic triad of features in Parkinson’s?
Bradykinesia
Resting tremor
Rigidity
Rigidity is r_____ to the passive movement of a joint
resistance
True of false: Parkinson’s tremor is worse at rest
True
it improves with intentional movement
True or false: Parkinson’s tremor improves with alcohol
False
This is true of a benign essential tremor, but there is no change with alcohol in Parkinson’s
