Parkinson's

Question 1

Parkinson’s pathogenesis

Answer 1

Loss of dopaminergic neurones in SNPC. Decreased thalamocortical drive. Lewy bodies- intracellular alpha synuclein.

Question 2

How do you image Parkinson’s

Answer 2

DaT scan

Question 3

3 key features of Parkinson’s?

Answer 3

Resting tremor. Bradykinesia. Rigidity.

Question 4

Other motor features of Parkinson’s

Answer 4

Shuffling gait. Frozen facial expression. Micrographia.

Question 5

Non motor features of Parkinson’s

Answer 5

Depression. Cognitive dysfunction and sleep problems. Autonomic dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction. Can precede motor features by 12-15 years

Question 6

Genes associated with Parkinson’s

Answer 6

SNCA- alpha synuclein coding. Small no cases familial.

Question 7

Environmental precipitating factors for Parkinson’s

Answer 7

Neurotoxins like MPTP- inc oxidative stress.

Question 8

Effect of oxidative stress on dopamine.

Answer 8

D is very oxidisable. MAOb involved in oxidation. Nigra is oxidising environment.