Parkinsons Disease Flashcards
What are 3 words to describe Parkinsons?
chronic
progressive
neurodegenerative
What is the most common movement disorder?
Parkinsons
Describe the pathophysiology of Parkinsons.
caused by progressive death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra (part of the basal ganglia)
-death of DA neurons = messages telling the body how and when to move are delivered slowly or incompletely
-individual is unable to initiate and control movements in a normal way
What is the role of dopamine in movement?
important for smooth, coordinated, controlled movements
What is the etiology of Parkinsons?
unknown
some decline of dopaminergic neurons occurs with aging
-Parkinsons is an acceleration of that process
What are the two components of the substantia nigra?
pars compacta: DA producing
pars reticulata: GABA neurons
What are the risk factors for Parkinsons?
family history
pesticide exposure
repeated head injuries
What are the protective factors against Parkinsons?
smoking
high coffee consumption
intensive exercise
What are the hallmark movement symptoms of Parkinsons?
TRAP
-tremor
-rigidity
-akinesia/bradykinesia
-postural instability
3 Sās: slow, stiff, shaky
Describe the diagnosis of Parkinsons.
clinical diagnosis
Movement Disorder Society Clinical Diagnostic Criteria:
-must be present: bradykinesia
-at least 1 of: rest tremor or rigidity
-supportive: response to DA tx, levodopa-induced dyskinesias, olfactory loss
What is the takeaway regarding the presentation of Parkinsons?
a heterogenous disorder with substantial variations in clinical presentation
Describe the distinguishing features of Parkinsons.
tremor-predominant subtype:
-often younger patients
-typically have a slower, more benign course of progression
akinetic/rigid subtype:
-often have a more rapid rate of progression of motor sx
-particularly in older patients
What is the key feature of the other Parkinsonisms?
they do not respond to levodopa
What are some medications that can cause Parkinsonisms?
typical neuroleptics
atypical neuroleptics
-safer alts: clozapine, quetiapine
antinauseants/prokinetics
-safer alt: domperidone
miscellaneous: lithium, valproic acid
What are some āotherā clinical features of Parkinsons?
often precede motor symptoms:
-hyposmia
-constipation
-depression
-fatigue
-REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
early in disease course:
-micrographia
-hypophonia
-dry eyes
-flat affect
later symptoms:
-sexual dysfunction
-sialorrhea
-autonomic dysfunction
-psychiatric disturbances (delusions/hallucinations)
-cognitive impairment and dementia
What are some principles of treatment for Parkinsons?
no PD treatment modifies disease progression
symptomatic treatment only
progressive - therefore ongoing medication changes and adjustments will be needed
What are the goals of therapy for Parkinsons?
reduce signs and symptoms of Parkinsons
minimize complications of drug therapy
maintain independence
improve/maintain QoL
What are the non-pharm treatments for Parkinsons?
physical therapy
occupational therapy
speech therapy
dental/vision/hearing care
psychological support
surgery
What are the classes of medications for Parkinsons?
levodopa
dopamine agonists
MAO-B inhibitors
amantadine
COMT inhibitors
anticholinergics
What does pharmacotherapy of Parkinsons focus on?
increasing dopamine levels (directly or indirectly)
What is the effective cornerstone of treatment for Parkinsons?
levodopa
What is levodopa always given with?
decarboxylase inhibitor
-carbidopa or benserazide
What is the role of carbidopa or benserazide when used with levodopa?
prevents conversion of levodopa to DA outside of the brain
-enhances efficacy
-reduces AE
neither carbidopa nor benserazide can cross the BBB
What is the MOA of levodopa?
crosses BBB ā> converted to DA via decarboxylase
Describe the effectiveness of levodopa.
initially, universally effective for:
-bradykinesia
-rigidity
-respond in days, max 2 weeks
variable effect: tremor
less likely to help with:
-poor balance
-non motor sx
What can decrease the bioavailability of levocarb?
protein
iron
antacids
How should levocarb be initiated?
titrate slowly to prevent nausea/dizziness
How should levocarb be discontinued?
need to taper off slowly due to risk of NMS
Why is controlled release levocarb rarely used?
delayed and unpredictable onset
-rarely used apart from overnight
What are the adverse effects of levocarb?
nausea, stomach upset
dizziness/orthostasis
fatigue
vivid dreams
confusion/hallucinations (later stages)
What can occur with levodopa therapy after ~5 years of treatment?
wearing off (med not lasting as long as it used to)
on-off phenomena (fine one min, not fine the next min)
freezing
dyskinesias (abnormal, involuntary movements)
-due to increases sens of brain to levodopa as PD progresses
-commonly limbs and trunk
-common shortly after a dose
What are some of the new formulations of levodopa?
Duodopa (intestinal gel)
Vyalev (SQ infusion)
inhaled capsules
designed to address limitations of oral admin