Parkinsons Disease

Question 1

What is Parkinsons Disease?

Answer 1

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the degeneration of dopamine producing neurones in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of PD?

Answer 2

PD results from the degeneration of dopamine producing neurones in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is an important area for storing of motor memories and initiates and plans movement, it also inhibits unwanted movement. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Without dopamine the basal ganglia cannot initiate movement, cannot retrieve motor memories and cannot inhibit unwanted movement.

Question 3

What are the primary clinical features of PD?

Answer 3

Resting tremor - Occurs when muscle is relaxed and tremour disappears on movement. Often the tremour only affects hands or fingers.

Rigidity - stiff, inflexible muscles with resistance to passive movement

Bradykinesia – slow movement and progressive reduction in speed

Question 4

What are the secondary clinical features?

Answer 4

Freezing when talking, depression, difficulty initiating and terminating movement