Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

What is PD?

Answer 1

Primary degnerative disorder, characterized by the decrease in the production of dopamine within the substantia niagra of the basal ganglia

Basal Ganglia store the majority of dopamine.

Question 2

Etiology

Answer 2

Primary Parkinsons: Unknown Etilogy; accounting for the majority of patients

• Genetic Defcts
• Carbon Monoxide poisoning
• Excessive manganese or copper

Majority of patients between 50-79 y/o

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

Resting Tremor in the hands (aka pill rolling tremor)

• this can increase with stress
• dissapears with movement or sleep

Early Symptoms:
- balance disturbances
- difficulties rolling and rising from bed
- difficulties with fine motor skills

Progression of Disease:
- hypokinesia
- sluggish movement
- akinesia (difficulties with intiating), and stopping movement
- festinating/shuffling gait
- bradykinesia
- poor posture
- dysphagia
- cogwheel or leadpipe rigidity
- freezing episodes with ambulation
- Flat affect

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

Dopamine replacement thrapy is most effective method.

PT:
- Verbal and visual cueing are useful in this population