Parkinson's disease

Question 1

What are the signs of Parkinsons disease? (many)

Answer 1

Parkinsonism:
Bradykinesia
Plus tremor/rigidity/postural instability
Asymmetric signs
Gait - difficult initiating, small steps, slow, reduced arm swing
Hypomania - reduced facial expression
Hypographia - small handwriting
Sleep disturbances
Autonomic disturbances
Depression
Dementia

Question 2

What is the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 2

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, caudate nucleus and thalamus
Less dopamine = affects movement
Lewy bodies also deposit in the brain

Question 3

What is Parkinsonism?

Answer 3

Clinical syndrome
Consists of:
Bradykinesia
Plus:
tremor/rigidity/postural instability