Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

How many people in the u.s. have idiopathic parkinson’s disease?

Answer 1

up to 1 million

Question 2

Are males or females affected more by PD?

Answer 2

men 2: female 1

Question 3

What are the risk factors for PD?

Answer 3

first degree relative
rural living
drinking well water
heavy metal, hydrocarbon, pesticide exposure
male gender
caffeine, smoking possible

Question 4

Explain the pathophysiology of PD.

Answer 4

DA stores are depleted, nigrostriatal pathways are destroyed. Excess Ach and DA deficiency

Question 5

What are the symptoms of PD?

Answer 5

rigidity, resting tremor, bradykinesia, postural instability. Motor, autonomic, psychiatric

Question 6

What are the goals of treatment with PD?

Answer 6

improve motor and non-motor function
maintain quality of life
avoid drug-induced complication

Question 7

What are some non-pharmacologic therapies for PD?

Answer 7

Exercise, nutrition, education, support groups, neurosurgery

Question 8

What drugs overcome the increased cholinergic activity?

Answer 8

benztropine(Cogentin)

Trihexyphenidyl(artane)

Question 9

What can cause glaucoma, chronic constipation, BPH, urinary retention?

Answer 9

benztropine(Cogentin)

Trihexyphenidyl(artane)

Question 10

What drugs are most useful for tremor?

Answer 10

Anticholinergics
benztropine(Cogentin)
Trihexyphenidyl(artane)

Question 11

What drug is used for tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, levodopa-induced dyskinesia?

Answer 11

amantadine

Question 12

This drug is a direct precursor to dopamine.

Answer 12

levodopa

Question 13

This drug is a l-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, and allows levodopa to escape conversion in the periphery.

Answer 13

Carbidopa

Question 14

Peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine results in?

Answer 14

orthostatic hypotension, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias