Unit 2 - Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is the pathology of Parkinson’s disease? (2)

Answer 1

• substantial nigra located just above when spinal cord meets midbrain
• gradual loss of dopamine-producing brain cells of sub. nigra (70-80% loss in dopamine)

Question 2

Why is dopamine important to the MS system? (2)

Answer 2

• key role in intentional movement
• has effect on other non-movement related symptoms (sleep, smell, thinking)

Question 3

There is no cure to Parkinson’s but what can we use to manage it?

Answer 3

• levodopa (dopamine replacement)
• improves symptoms

Question 4

How does Parkinson’s impair mobility? (7)

Answer 4

• rigidity
• severe muscle cramps
• cogwheeling - intermittent resistant to movement
• micrographia (quiet voice)
• tremor (resting)
• bradykinesia (slow movement)
• postural instability

Question 5

What kind of onset and diagnosis does Parkinson’s have? (2)

Answer 5

• insidious onset (subtle and not obvious)
• diagnosis based on ruling out other causes

Question 6

What is Parkinsonism?

Answer 6

• an umbrella term that describes movement changes similar to Parkinson’s disease

Question 7

What are other symptoms of Parkinson’s? (11)

Answer 7

• mood, apathy
• pain
• cognitive impairment
• constipation
• Urinary incontinence
• sexual dysfunction
• reduced sense of smell
• disordered sleep
• excessive salivation
• excessive sweating
• soft-spoken voice

Question 8

How long does progression of Parkinson’s take? (3)

Answer 8

• can be over 20 years - late stages
• high risk for other problems
• pressure ulcers, pneumonia, aspiration and falls

Question 9

What are some things that a person with Parkinson’s may experience/feel? (5)

Answer 9

• affects roles, activities and social participation
• tremors may produce embarrassing moments
• changes in facial expression and movement may be interpreted as depression or disinterest
• May appear cognitively impaired when they are not
• undesired facade

Question 10

What does undesired facade mean?

Answer 10

one feels like they are trapped in a body that no longer responds

Question 11

Is Parkinson’s life threatening?

Answer 11

• no, but life altering
• leading source of disability

Question 12

How does impaired mobility become more likely?

Answer 12

• when people are not active or do not participate in their normal roles

Question 13

what can improve mobility?

Answer 13

• improving activity

Question 14

Impaired mobility can impact the ability to manage ___ independently

Answer 14

ADLs

Question 15

What can help decrease dependency of a person with a mobility impairment?

Answer 15

modifying the environment