Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is the pathology of Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 1

Subtantia Nigra compacta degeneration, with less dopamine production reduces voluntary movement

PedunculoPontine Nuc degeneration, with less acetylcholine production, reduces inhibition of reticulospinal & vestibulospinal tracts, which increase postural muscle activation -> increases rigidity

Question 2

Parkinson’s Signs can be either:

Answer 2

Hyperkinetic or hypokinetic

Question 3

Hyperkinetic Signs

Answer 3

rigidity, resting tremors

Question 4

Hypokinetic Signs

Answer 4

Movement freezing, postural instability, reduced initiation of movement

Question 5

Treatment of Parkinsons

Answer 5

L-dopa - replaces dopamine to restore movement, but many side effects, and habituation to therapeutic levels

Deep-brain stimulation, ablation or neuronal transplants/stem cells

Optokinetic triggering for smoother movement patterns. (uses visual system to provide visual cueing for movement)