Parkinson's treatment

Question 1

Flashcard 1:
Q: What is the first line treatment for Parkinson’s disease in the UK?
A:

Answer 1

Levodopa, often combined with a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (e.g., carbidopa or benserazide), is typically the first line treatment for Parkinson’s disease according to NICE guidelines.

Question 2

Flashcard 2:
Q: How does levodopa work in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 2

Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine, thus increasing the concentration of this neurotransmitter in the brain and improving symptoms.

Question 3

Flashcard 3:
Q: What are common side effects of levodopa?
A: .

Answer 3

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and confusion. Long-term use can lead to motor complications such as dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements)

Question 4

Flashcard 4:
Q: What are the alternatives to levodopa for initial treatment?
A:

Answer 4

Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole) or MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline) are commonly considered as alternatives or adjuncts to levodopa.

Question 5

Flashcard 5:
Q: How do dopamine agonists work in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 5

Dopamine agonists work by directly stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, mimicking the role of dopamine.

Question 6

Flashcard 6:
Q: What are common side effects of dopamine agonists?
A:

Answer 6

Common side effects can include nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, hallucinations, and compulsive behaviors.

Question 7

Flashcard 7:
Q: How do MAO-B inhibitors work in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 7

MAO-B inhibitors work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase B which breaks down dopamine in the brain, thus increasing the levels of dopamine.

Question 8

Flashcard 8:
Q: What are common side effects of MAO-B inhibitors?
A:

Answer 8

Common side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, headache, and confusion.

Question 9

Flashcard 9:
Q: When are catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors typically used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 9

COMT inhibitors, such as entacapone and opicapone, are typically used as an adjunct to levodopa therapy in people with Parkinson’s disease who experience end-of-dose deterioration of motor control.

Question 10

Flashcard 10:
Q: How do COMT inhibitors work in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 10

COMT inhibitors block an enzyme that breaks down levodopa before it reaches the brain, thus prolonging the effect of levodopa.

Question 11

Flashcard 11:
Q: What are the common side effects of COMT inhibitors?
A:

Answer 11

Common side effects can include dyskinesia, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Question 12

Flashcard 12:
Q: What non-pharmacological interventions are recommended in Parkinson’s disease?
A:

Answer 12

Non-pharmacological interventions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and regular exercise can help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.