Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

definition of Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 1

–a progressive, degenerative disorder of basal ganglia function
–characterized by tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia

Question 2

what are basal ganglia?

Answer 2

–function with cerebellum to make smooth, coordinated movement
–the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia has cells that produce dopamine

Question 3

primary Parkinsonism

Answer 3

–idiopathic
–genetic or sporadic

Question 4

secondary Parkinsonism

Answer 4

acquired
–infection
–intoxication
–trauma
–drug-induced

Question 5

what kind of drugs cause Parkinsonism?

Answer 5

drugs that affect dopamine

Question 6

important point about secondary Parkinsonism

Answer 6

reversible if cause is treated

Question 7

risk factors for Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 7

–age: peak in 70s
–gender: men > women
–genetics
–anxiety/depression
–head trauma
–hysterectomy
–coffee consumption

Question 8

dopamine

Answer 8

–inhibitory neurotransmitter
–function = message transmission
–controls movement and balance
–helps muscles work smoothly, controllably, and without unwanted movement

Question 9

acetylcholine (ACh)

Answer 9

–excitatory neurotransmitter
–works in conjunction with dopamine system
–balance is crucial
–works best when in balance with dopamine

Question 10

what does acetylcholine cause?

Answer 10

uncoordinated movements

Question 11

patho of both forms of Parkinsonism

Answer 11

–imbalance problem
–too much ACh in relation to dopamine
–results in loss of coordinated movement
–development of clinical manifestations

Question 12

patho of Primary Parkinsonism

Answer 12

destruction of substantia nigra in basal ganglia –> dopamine levels decrease –> imbalance between dopamine and ACh –> loss of controlled movement and balance –> relative excess of ACh

Question 13

clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s

Answer 13

–bradykinesia
–cogwheel rigidity
–resting tremor
–shuffling gait
–mask-like expression
–postural instability

Question 14

specifics about symptoms for Parkinson’s

Answer 14

–gradual onset and progression
–may only involve 1 side of the body at first

Question 15

classic triad of Parkinson’s manifestations

Answer 15

–tremor
–rigidity
–bradykinesia

Question 16

tremor in Parkinson’s

Answer 16

–often first sign
–handwriting effected
–more prominent at rest
–aggravated by stress or concentration
–pill roll

Question 17

Essential tremor vs. Parkinson’s tremor

Answer 17

essential tremor
–results from faulty neuro impulses
–tremors occur with motor function
–no other manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s tremor
–results from dopamine deficiency
–tremors occur with rest and improve with movement
–presents with other manifestations of Parkinson’s

Question 18

rigidity in Parkinson’s definition

Answer 18

resistance to passive movement

Question 19

cogwheel rigidity

Answer 19

movements are jerky and slow

Question 20

why does rigidity happen?

Answer 20

–sustained muscle contraction
–too much ACh in comparison to dopamine

Question 21

associated complaints with rigidity

Answer 21

–muscle soreness
–aches
–pains

Question 22

bradykinesia definition

Answer 22

loss of automatic movements

Question 23

symptoms of bradykinesia

Answer 23

–no blinking
–no swinging of arms
–no swallowing of saliva = drooling
–no self-expression with hands and face = flat expression
–overall lack of spontaneous movement

Question 24

complications of Parkinsonism

Answer 24

–dementia
–depression/anxiety
–decreased mobility

Question 25

components of decreased mobility with Parkinsonism

Answer 25

–malnutrition
–aspiration
–pneumonia
–UTIs
–skin breakdown