Parkinson's Flashcards
Alpha-synuclein does what in Parkinson’s?
A mutation in this gene leads to Parkinson’s
Why do you have to increase the dose of L-DOPA over time?
Its effectiveness declines with time as dopaminergic nerves continue to degenerate
Why would you use a MAOb inhibitor in Parkinson’s?
To inhibit the inactivation of dopamine at the synapse
What are some side effects of dopamine agonists?
Similar to L-DOPA but includes hallucinations, confusion, delirium, nausea and hypotension
What is the problem with giving Levodopa on its own? How can you overcome it?
90% is metabolised in the periphery
Give with a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor like carbidopa
What is MPTP?
A toxin that kills dopaminergic cells and causes Parkinson’s
What are some non-motor signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Cognitive deficiencies
Depression - both due to dopamine and psychogenic
Raised anxiety levels
Olfactory deficiencies
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Pain
Bowel and bladder problems
Sexual dysfunction
T/F Degeneration is usually symmetrical
False, asymmetrical
What is the cellular cause of Parkinson’s?
Degeneration of the dopaminergic nerves in the substantia nigra
- causes reduced dopamine
What does amantadine do?
Enhances release of dopamine
What is the management goal in Parkinson’s?
Symptomatic relief via replacement of dopamine at the synapse
What are some early signs of Parkinson’s?
Olfactory deficiencies
Bowel and bladder problems
What is the major drawn back with L-DOPA treatment?
The convertion of L-DOPA into dopamine produces ROS with accelerates the degeneration of dopaminergic neurones
Why are dopamine receptor agonist prefered in younger people?
To slow ROS mediated degeneration
The development of motor signs indicate what in terms of the progression of the disease?
80% of dopaminergic neurons have degenerated
