Conditions Effecting the Nervous System and PharmacotherapyPart Six: Neurodegenerative DX- Parkinson’s Disease PD Flashcards

Exam 4 (Final)

1
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD): What is it?

A

Chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder

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2
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD): What is it a deficiency of?

A

Deficiency of NT dopamine (made by substania nigra in brain).

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3
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

Where is dopamine made?

A

(made by substania nigra in brain).

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4
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

When do symptoms appear?

A

Symptoms generally appear during middle age and progress

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5
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

Is there a cure for motor symptoms?

A

No cure for motor symptoms

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6
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

What can drug treatment do?

A

Drug tx can maintain functional mobility for years (ie, prolongs/improves QOL)

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7
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

What are cardinal motor symptoms of PD?

A

Cardinal motor sx:

tremor,

rigidity,

postural instability,

slowed movement (bradykinesia)

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8
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

What are nonmotor symptoms ?

A

Nonmotor sx:

sleep disturbances,

depression,

psychosis,

dementia,

autonomic disturbances

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9
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

When do early symptoms develop?

A

Early sx can develop years before function impairment (e.g. clumsiness, excessive salivation, worsening handwriting, tremors, slower gait, reduced voice volume)

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10
Q

Parkinson’s Disease (PD):

Secondary causes of Parkinson’s disease?

A

2° – caused by diagnosis other than PD (eg head trauma, infection, neoplasm, atherosclerosis, toxins, drug-induced EPS: neuroleptics, antiemetics, antihypertensives)

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11
Q

Patho of PD:

What is a probable cause?

A

Genetic-envi mutations probable cause

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12
Q

Patho of PD:

What is disrupted?

A

Neurotransmission is disrupted primarily in the brain’s striatum.

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13
Q

Patho of PD

What is misfolded?

A

Misfolded/dysfunctional alpha-synuclein

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14
Q

Patho of PD

Misfolded/dysfunctional alpha-synuclein:

What is it and what is it made by?

A

Toxic protein made by dopaminergic neurons accumulates

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15
Q

Patho of PD

Misfolded/dysfunctional alpha-synuclein:

What is it not broken down by?

A

Not broken down by 2 other proteins (parkin & ubiquitin)

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16
Q

Patho of PD

Misfolded/dysfunctional alpha-synuclein

What is defective?

A

Defective gene coding for all 3 proteins

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17
Q

Patho of PD

Misfolded/dysfunctional alpha-synuclein

What does it contribute to?

A

Contributes to neuron death/destruction of dopaminergic neurons

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18
Q

Patho of PD

Normally inhibitory actions of Dopamine are balanced by what?

A

Normally, inhibitory actions of Dopamine are balanced by excitatory actions of Ach –> controlled movement

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19
Q

Patho of PD

What is GABA?

A

GABA is an inhibitory NT blocking signals in nervous system

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20
Q

Patho of PD

Normally, inhibitory actions of Dopamine are balanced by excitatory actions of Ach –> controlled movement

In healthy people, what does GABA do?

A

In healthy individuals, GABA regulates movement by inhibiting certain brain signals.

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21
Q

Patho of PD
Normally,
Between do dopamine and GABA, what is needed?

A

Interplay between DA & GABA – need a balance

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22
Q

Patho of PD

Interplay between DA & GABA – need a balance

What does dopamine inhibit?

A

Dopamine inhibits the neurons that release GABA

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23
Q

Patho of PD

Interplay between DA & GABA – need a balance

What does acetylcholine excite?

A

Ach excites the neurons that release GABA

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24
Q

Patho of PD

In PD, what is there an imbalance between?

A

In PD – imbalance btwn DA & Ach

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25
Patho of PD What happens to neurons supplying DA
Neurons supplying DA to striatum degenerate
26
Patho of PD Neurons supplying DA to striatum degenerate what does this lead to?
Excitatory effects of Ach go unopposed --> to excess stimulation of neurons that release GABA
27
Patho of PD Excitatory effects of Ach go unopposed --> to excess stimulation of neurons that release GABA What does this lead to?
Excess GABA interferes with motor function by blocking messages in movement centers
28
Patho of PD Excess GABA interferes with motor function by blocking messages in movement centers What is the result? (symptoms)
The result is difficulties with movement, such as stiffness, slowness, and tremors
29
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: What is it a degeneration of?
Degeneration of the dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain
30
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: What balance is disrupted?
Disrupts the normal balance between dopamine and ACh in the basal ganglia
31
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: What dopamine normally essential for?
Dopamine is essential for normal functioning of the extrapyramidal motor system, including control of posture, support, and voluntary motion.
32
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: Manifestations of PD occur when how much of neurons are lost?
Manifestations of PD do not occur until 70-80% of neurons in the substantia nigra are lost.
33
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease: WHen the amount og dopamine falls, how is acetylcholine?
When the amount of dopamine falls, ACh still functions. Its excitatory properties are responsible for the excess and exaggerated movements in PD.
34
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease What is found in the brains of patients with PD?
Lewy bodies, abnormal accumulations of protein, are found in the brains of patients with PD.
35
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease Lewy bodies, abnormal accumulations of protein, are found in the brains of patients with PD. What causes these bodies to form? What does their presence indicate?
It is not known what causes these bodies to form, but their presence indicates abnormal functioning of the brain.
36
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease How is onset? How long does it take for loss of neurons to occur?
Onset insidious, loss of neurons takes place 5-20yrs, long before sx appear
37
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Include what?
Genetic Link Exposure to Chemicals and Drugs Cellular Changes
38
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Genetic Link: Approximately what % of patients with PD have a family history of PD?
Approximately 15% of patients with PD have a family history of PD.
39
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Genetic Link: The most common genetic contributor to PD is what?
The most common genetic contributor to PD is the LRRK2 gene.
40
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Genetic Link: Genes involved in familial PD are what? What are mutations in these genes associated with?
Genes involved in familial PD are parkin (PARK2, PARK7), PINK1, and SNCA. Mutations in these genes are often associated with a younger age of onset
41
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Exposure to Chemicals and Drugs
Carbon monoxide Metoclopramide (Reglan) Antipsychotics
42
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Exposure to Chemicals and Drugs: Antipsychotics : What happens after stopping these drugs?
After stopping these drugs, symptoms of parkinsonism generally decrease or disappear
43
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Cellular Changes
There are damaging effects of viruses or toxins on cells.
44
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Cellular Changes: What does significant oxidative stress lead to?
Significant oxidative stress leads to the accumulation of free radicals within the cells in the brain.
45
Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of PD Other causes of parkinsonism include?
Other causes of parkinsonism include infections, stroke, tumor, and trauma.
46
Clinical Presentation of PD Motor Sx:
Resting tremors & Rigidity Bradykinesia/akinesthesia Postural disturbances Dysarthria (difficulty with speech) Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
47
Clinical Presentation of PD How may symptoms develop?
Sx may develop isolated or in combination All are present as dx progresses Sx bilateral but usually involve 1 side early in dx
48
Clinical Presentation of PD As disease progresses --> ?
As disease progresses --> postural abnormalities, diff walking, weakness, shuffling gait
49
Clinical Presentation of PD Nonmotor sx:
sleep disorders, sensory disturbances (loss of smell, vision), urinary urgency, difficulty concentrating, depression, hallucinations
50
Clinical Presentation of PD Autonomic sx:
diaphoresis, orthostatic hypotension, drooling, gastric/urinary retention, constipation
51
Motor Symptoms of PD
Tremor Rigidity Akinesia Postural Instability
52
Motor Symptoms of PD: What is the first sign?
Tremor- 1st sign & may be mild initially
53
Motor Symptoms of PD: How are tremors in PD?
More prominent at rest and is aggravated by emotional stress or increased concentration. Pill-rolling
54
Motor Symptoms of PD: Akinesia- What is it?
absence or loss of control of voluntary muscle movements loss of automatic (blinking, swallowing)
55
Motor Symptoms of PD: Akinesia- What else is involved?
bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
56
Motor Symptoms of PD: Postural Instability
Stooped posture Shuffling gait
57
Parkinson’s Rigidity: What is it?
Muscle resistance to passive movement of rigid limb in both flexion & extension
58
Parkinson’s Rigidity: What are the two types?
Plastic or lead-pipe rigidity: Cogwheel rigidity:
59
Parkinson’s Rigidity: Plastic or lead-pipe rigidity: What is it?
Plastic or lead-pipe rigidity: increased muscle tone independent of force used in passive movement
60
Parkinson’s Rigidity: Cogwheel rigidity: What is it?
uniform resistance maybe interrupted by a series of brief jerks
61
Parkinson’s Rigidity: Complications
Dyskinesia (involuntary movements) Weakness Neuropsychiatric problems Dysphagia Infections Skin breakdown Orthostatic hypotension
62
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD Diagnostics:
⍉ definitive test PMH PE Testing to R/O other DX
63
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD Diagnostics: PE includes?
Neuro assessment
64
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD TX?
⍉ PX or cure ⍉ reverse damage ⍉ delay progression Symptom control, relief only!!!
65
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD Symptom control, relief only!!!- How do meds do this?
↑ DA & ↓ Ach to tx bradykinesia, gait disturbance, postural instability
66
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD What are limitations of meds?
Diminished effects over time Control lost @ max dosing
67
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD SX options: What to do if unresponsive to drugs?
Deep brain stimulation - if unresponsive to drugs
68
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD Maximizing function
PT & OT Assistive devices ~ wheelchairs, walkers, handrails
69
Diagnosis & Management Overview for PD Overall health
Coping strategies & support Proper nutrition Adequate rest Drug therapy!!!
70
PD Agent Classification: What is targeted?
Target problem: ↓↓ striatal DA Target problem: ↑↑ ACh
71
PD Agent Classification: What drugs target ↓↓ striatal DA problem?
Dopaminergic meds DA replacement DA agonists MAO-B inhibitors DA releaser COMT inhibitors??
72
PD Agent Classification: Dopaminergic meds: How often are they used? What do they do?
DA activation ~ direct & indirect More widely used
73
PD Agent Classification: DA replacement includes?
Levodopa/Carbidopa
74
PD Agent Classification DA agonists: What are the two groups?
Non-ergot Ergot derivatives
75
PD Agent Classification DA agonists: Non-ergot includes?
Apomorphine Pramipexole Ropinirole Rotigotine
76
PD Agent Classification DA agonists: Ergot derivatives includes?
Bromocriptine Cabergoline (off-label)
77
PD Agent Classification COMT inhibitors: How do they work?
By inhibiting COMT, plasma half-life of levodopa prolonged
78
PD Agent Classification COMT inhibitors: What are the two?
Entacapone Tolcapone
79
PD Agent Classification MAO-B inhibitors: What do they do?
MAO-B inactivates dopamine
80
PD Agent Classification MAO-B inhibitors: What are the two meds?
Selegiline Rasagiline
81
PD Agent Classification DA releaser: What is the med?
Amantadine
82
PD Agent Classification; What meds Target problem: ↑↑ ACh?
Anticholinergic meds
83
PD Agent Classification;' 'Anticholinergic meds
ACh receptor blockade Benztropine Trihexyphenidyl
84
Levodopa MOA: How does it reduce symptoms?
Reduces symptoms by increasing dopamine synthesis in the striatum.
85
Levodopa MOA: How does this med enter brain?
Enters brain via active transport across BBB
86
Levodopa MOA: After entering brain, where does it go?
Taken up by nerve terminal in striatum
87
Levodopa MOA: After being taken up by nerve terminal in striatum
Get converted into active form & released into synapse
88
Levodopa MOA: Get converted into active form & released into synapse What happens after this?
Binds to dopamine receptors on GABAergic neurons, causing them to fire at a slower rate
89
Levodopa MOA: Binds to dopamine receptors on GABAergic neurons, causing them to fire at a slower rate What does this help with?
Helps restore balance btwn DA & ACh
90
Levodopa MOA: What converts levodopa to dopamine? What is this enhanced by?
Decarboxylase (in brain, liver, intestine) converts levodopa to dopamine and is enhanced by Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
91
Levodopa Why can’t we just give dopamine by itself?
Dopamine can’t cross BBB Dopamine has very short half-life in the blood
92
Levodopa: What is the only way it is given?
Only given in combination with carbidopa or carbidopa/entacapone
93
Levodopa: How effective is it?
Highly effective, but benefits diminish over time
94
Levodopa: Highly effective, but benefits diminish over time When do full effects develop?
Full effects take several months to develop, but it works
95
Levodopa: Highly effective, but benefits diminish over time How are symptoms controlled? For how long? Why?
Symptoms well controlled for first 2 years But….return to pretreatment state at end of 5 years probably because of disease progression, not tolerance
96
Levodopa: How is it administered?
Orally administered; rapidly absorbed from small intestine
97
Levodopa: How does food effect absorption? Why?
Food delays absorption by slowing gastric emptying
98
Levodopa Orally administered; rapidly absorbed from small intestine What happens to levodopa (having to do with intestinal absorption)
Neutral amino acids compete with levodopa for intestinal absorption and for transport across blood-brain barrier
99
Levodopa Orally administered; rapidly absorbed from small intestine What has an effect on therapeutic effects of the drug? How?
High-protein foods reduce therapeutic effects by competing for intestinal absorption
100
What is Cornerstone of PD treatment!!!
Levodopa
101
Levodopa Acute loss of effect – returns of sx What happens
Gradual loss (wearing off) – drug levels decline to subtherapeutic
102
Levodopa Gradual loss (wearing off) – drug levels decline to subtherapeutic When does it develop?
Develops near the end of dosing interval
103
Levodopa Gradual loss (wearing off) – drug levels decline to subtherapeutic How can it be minimized?
Can be minimized by shortening dosing interval
104
Levodopa: Gradual loss (wearing off) – drug levels decline to subtherapeutic WHat do you do?
Give another PD (e.g entacapone) drug to prolong levodopa ½-life Give direct acting dopamine agonist (e.g. pramipexole, ropinirole)
105
Levodopa: Abrupt loss of effect (“on-off”) - sudden and unpredictable fluctuations in motor response, rapid transition between periods of improved mobility ("on" state) and worsened symptoms ("off" state). When does this occur?
Occurs anytime during dosing interval, even if drug levels are high
106
Levodopa This drug may go "on-off" What does this mean?
Abrupt loss of effect (“on-off”) - sudden and unpredictable fluctuations in motor response, rapid transition between periods of improved mobility ("on" state) and worsened symptoms ("off" state).
107
Levodopa: Abrupt loss of effect (“on-off”) - sudden and unpredictable fluctuations in motor response, rapid transition between periods of improved mobility ("on" state) and worsened symptoms ("off" state). How long is "off" time?
Off times may last minutes to hours
108
Levodopa: Abrupt loss of effect (“on-off”) - sudden and unpredictable fluctuations in motor response, rapid transition between periods of improved mobility ("on" state) and worsened symptoms ("off" state). Over course of treatment, what is likely to happen to off periods?
Over course of tx, off periods likely to increase, so many need add’l drugs (e.g COMT-I, MAO-I)
109
What is a precursor to dopamine?
Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine.
110
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa After oral administration, how is levodopa metabolized? Where? What is it converted to?
After oral administration, levodopa undergoes significant metabolism by decarboxylase in the GUT & blood vessels --> converted dopamine.
111
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa What happens to large amounts of levodopa before it reaches the brain?
Large amounts of levodopa are decarboxylated in the periphery before reaching brain & converted to dopamine
112
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa What does carbidopa enhance?
Carbidopa enhances effects of levodopa
113
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa What kind of effect does carbadopa have on its own? What does it do to levodopa?
Carbidopa has no effect on it’s own but inhibits conversion of levodopa to dopamine by decarboxylase in the periphery, so it can reach the brain
114
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa Why does carbidopa not affect the levodopa's conversion to dopamine in the brain?
Carbidopa does NOT cross BBB so it does not affect the levodopa ’s conversion to dopamine in the brain
115
PD Pharmacology: Carbidopa Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet) How is it available? How is dosing?
Immediate or Continuous Release Dose gradually increased from 1 tab daily --> 8 tabs daily
116
Levodopa ADRs
Nausea and vomiting Dyskinesias Cardiovascular Psychosis from dopamine activation Central nervous system (CNS) effects Others
117
Levodopa ADRs Nausea and vomiting: How can this be dealt with?
Low initial doses and administration with food….but food can reduce therapeutic effects by decreasing absorption, avoid if possible Giving additional carbidopa (without levodopa) can help reduce nausea and vomiting
117
Levodopa ADRs Nausea and vomiting: Why does this occur?
Activation of dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla
118
Levodopa ADRs Nausea and vomiting
By minimizing peripheral conversion, less levodopa is converted into dopamine outside the brain
119
Levodopa ADRs What are the most troubling adverse effects?
Dyskinesias
120
Levodopa ADRs Dyskinesias: Levodopa given to help with movement disorders it can cause What?
Although levodopa given to help with movement disorders it can cause movement disorders
121
Levodopa ADRs Dyskinesias: What can be done about this
Reduce dose (but PD sx may emerge) or give Amantadine (dopamine releaser)
122
Levodopa ADRs Dyskinesias: Reduce dose (but PD sx may emerge) or give Amantadine (dopamine releaser) What does this do?
Regulates glutamate neurotransmission & NMDA receptors
123
Levodopa ADRs Cardiovascular What issues?
Postural hypotension – dopamine can cause vasodilation in periphery
124
Levodopa ADRs Cardiovascular: Postural hypotension – dopamine can cause vasodilation in periphery What should be done?
Increase intake of salt and water Alpha-adrenergic agonist
125
Levodopa ADRs Cardiovascular: Why do dysrhythmias occur?
Dysrhythmias from dopamine conversion in periphery – activation of beta1 receptors
126
Levodopa ADRs: Psychosis from dopamine activation: WHat does this include?
Visual hallucinations Vivid dreams or nightmares Paranoid ideation
127
Levodopa ADRs: Psychosis from dopamine activation: WHat is this caused by?
Caused by activation of dopamine receptors
128
Levodopa ADRs: Central nervous system (CNS) effects What does this include?
Anxiety and agitation Memory and cognitive impairment Insomnia and nightmares are common Problems with impulse control Behavioral changes associated with promiscuity, gambling, binge eating, and alcohol abuse
129
Levodopa ADRs Others
Darken sweat/urine (harmless)
130
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions
Anti-psychotics that block receptors for dopamine in the striatum MAO-Inhibitors Anticholinergics Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) High-protein meals can reduce absorption
131
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions Anti-psychotics that block receptors for dopamine in the striatum: What do they cause?
Anti-psychotics that block receptors for dopamine in the striatum
132
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions MAO-Inhibitors: What do they cause?
Can cause hypertensive crisis from vasoconstrictive effects
133
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions Anticholinergics: What do they cause?
By blocking cholinergic receptors, these agents enhance responses to levodopa
134
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): What do they cause?
Altho Vitamin B6 accelerates decarboxylation (conversion) of levodopa in periphery, no need to limit it since levodopa is taken with carbidopa Carbidopa inhibits decarboxylase, so this eliminates concern about decreasing effects of levodopa by taking Vitamin B6
135
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions High-protein meals can reduce absorption Why does this happen?
Amino acids compete with levodopa for intestinal absorption & transport across BBB
136
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions High-protein meals can reduce absorption So what are patients advised to do?
Advise pts to spread protein consumption evenly throughout the day
136
Drug interactions cont’d & Food interactions High-protein meals can reduce absorption What does this do?
Could trigger an abrupt loss of effect
137
Levodopa/Carbidopa [Sinemet and Parcopa] Advantages
Most effective therapy for PD
138
Levodopa/Carbidopa [Sinemet and Parcopa] Mechanism of action
Carbidopa is used to enhance the effects of levodopa Carbidopa has no therapeutic effects of its own Carbidopa inhibits the decarboxylation (conversion) of levodopa in the intestine and the peripheral tissues More levodopa is available to the CNS Carbidopa is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier
139
Levodopa/Carbidopa [Sinemet] (Cont.) Advantages: By increasing the fraction of levodopa available for action in the CNS, what does carbidopa allow for?
By increasing the fraction of levodopa available for action in the CNS, carbidopa allows the dosage of levodopa to be reduced by about 75%
140
Levodopa/Carbidopa [Sinemet] (Cont.) Advantages: By causing the direct inhibition of decarboxylase, carbidopa does what?
By causing the direct inhibition of decarboxylase, carbidopa eliminates concerns about decreasing the effects of levodopa by taking a vitamin preparation that contains pyridoxine
140
Levodopa/Carbidopa [Sinemet] (Cont.) Advantages: By reducing the production of dopamine in the periphery, carbidopa does what?
By reducing the production of dopamine in the periphery, carbidopa reduces cardiovascular responses to levodopa as well as nausea and vomiting