Parkinson's Disease (PD) Flashcards
What is Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system.
What is the cause of PD?
The death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to problems with the initiation of voluntary movements.
What are the genetic factors associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Mutations in the Parkin (PKRN), alpha-Synuclein (SNCA), or leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) genes are associated with some cases of Parkinson’s disease.
What are the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Motor symptoms include bradykinesia (slow movements), rigidity, postural instability, and tremor of the extremities, especially the hands.
What are some early symptoms that can precede the onset of Parkinson’s disease?
Early symptoms may include hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), depressive complaints, and REM-sleep disorders.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on motor and reflex evaluations, assessment of dopaminergic function in the basal ganglia using imaging techniques like PECT and SPECT scans, memory and intelligence tests, and imaging scans such as CT and MRI to detect brain tissue loss, particularly in the substantia nigra.
How is Parkinson’s disease treated?
Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and may include medications like L-Dopa and dopamine agonists to improve dopamine levels in the brain. In severe cases, surgery and deep brain stimulation may be used to reduce motor symptoms.
What are Lewy bodies and how are they associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Lewy bodies are protein aggregates primarily composed of alpha-Synuclein. They are associated with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, contributing to the further loss of dopaminergic neurons.
How can medication-induced Parkinsonism occur?
Medication-induced Parkinsonism can occur due to the use of neuroleptic drugs, which can cause reversible symptoms, or exposure to substances like MPTP (contaminant in heroin) that lead to irreversible damage.
