Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 1

PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in the substantia nigra.

Question 2

What is the cause of PD?

Answer 2

It results from the progressive degeneration and death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, located within the basal ganglia.

Question 3

What are the 3 phases of PD?

Answer 3

1. Preclinical Period.
2. Prodromal Period.
3. Symptomatic Period.

Question 4

What are the main signs and symptoms of PD?

Answer 4

• Tremor in the hand, foot or the jaw.
• Rigidity or raise and sustained high muscle tone and stiffness.
• Bradykinesia or the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement.
• Impaired balance and postural instability.
• Masked expression (lack of facial expression)
• Incontinence.
• Loss of vision.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Cognitive/psychological disturbances (mood, affect).

Question 5

What are some strategies that can help overcome freezing?

Answer 5

• Clock turns.
• Turning in large arcs or using large steps.
• Shifting the weight of the body from one leg to another, and then step off.
• Stepping back before stepping forward.
• Listening to rhythmical music and stepping with the rhythm.
• Counting 1, 2, 3 step.
• Stepping over an imaginary line in front of them.
• Using floor strips.
• Decluttering the home environment and re-arranging furniture.