Parkinsons

Question 1

TRAP

Answer 1

Tremor at rest
Rigidity
Akinesia (no voluntary Muscle movements)
Postural instability (unable to stop going back and forth)

Question 2

Risk factor for PD

Answer 2

rural living

r/t dopamine, acetylcholine, and extrapyramidal motor system (controls posture, support ,and voluntary motion

Question 3

Pathophysiology

Answer 3

degeneration of DA-producing neurons in the substantia nugra of the midbrain

depletion of da stores

disruption of normal balance of da (inhibitory0 and ACh (excitatory) in the basal ganglia

Impairment of extrapyramidal tracts controlling complex body movements

Tremors, rigidity, akinesia, and postural instability (TRAP)

Usual bodies of protien called Lewy bodies are found in the brains of pts with PD.

Question 4

What may a PD pt look like

Answer 4

shuffling gait may not be able to stop, arms flexed, postural reflexes lost, speech problems

motor symptoms, dysphagia, weakness, dementia, depression, hallucinations, psychosis

Question 5

How to Dx PD

Answer 5

improvement with meds, TRAP, no specific tests

Question 6

Drug therapy for PD

Answer 6

aimed at correcting imbalance of neurotransmitters in CNS

Levodopa is primary treatment. It increases the supply of DA as it is the precursor of DA.

Carbidopa inhibits enzyme that breaks down levodopa before it reaches the brain

effectiveness may decrease over time

may cause difficulty urinating

do not give with food, take 30-60min before meals for quicker absorption