Parkinson's Disease Flashcards
What is the most common neurodegenerative disorder?
AD
What is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder?
PD
What causes PD?
loss of dopamine producing neurones in the substantia nigra, causing a pigment loss which can be seen on biopsy
What explains why there isa high incidence of depression in PD?
5HT-producing neurones in the brainstem are also affected
What does degeneration of neurones cause?
clumps of protein called Lewy Bodies
Strongest risk factors for PD?
old age/FH
Other risk factor for PD?
pesticide exposure
Protection against PD?
smoking, NSAIDs, high uric acid levels
In whom with PD is there more likely to be a genetic cause?
early onset (below 40)
Parkinson’s triad?
bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor
What is bradykinesia?
slowness of movement, gets slower each time it is attempted
What is hypomimia (ass with PD)?
decreased facial expression and blinking
What is micrographia?
progressively smaller handwriting
Is a head tremor typical for PD?
NO
When is a resting tremor best observed?
while patient is focused on a mental task
What is a positive Froment’s maneuvre?
rigidity increases in examined body segment by voluntary movement of other body parts
What type of rigidity is felt in PD, and where is it especially noticeable?
cogwheel rigidity
Wrist
Why does stooped posture occur in PD?
impaired postural reflexes
What is camptocormia?
extreme anterior truncal flexion
What is the typical Parkinsonian gait?
slow, occurs at narrow base, short shuffling steps
What is festination?
very fast succession of steps and difficulties stooping
What is the pull test?
pulling back on the patient while they try to maintain posture
Name some early non motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Hyposmia, REM, constipation, depression
What are some late non motor symptoms of PD?
dementia, hallucination
