Parkinson's disease Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
A chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
What are the key motor symptoms of Parkinsonism?
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), tremor, rigidity, and postural instability.
What are some common motor complications of Parkinson’s Disease?
Immobility, slowness, freezing of gait, falls, motor fluctuations, dyskinesia, and communication difficulties.
What are some common non-motor complications of Parkinson’s Disease?
Depression, anxiety, impulse control disorders, psychotic symptoms, dementia, sleep disturbances, constipation, swallowing problems, weight loss, orthostatic hypotension, and pain.
What is the first-line treatment for early-stage Parkinson’s Disease with motor symptoms affecting quality of life?
Levodopa combined with carbidopa (co-careldopa) or benserazide (co-beneldopa).
Why is carbidopa or benserazide combined with levodopa?
Carbidopa/benserazide prevent levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, reducing side effects like nausea and making levodopa more effective.
What is the role of MAO-B inhibitors in treating Parkinson’s Disease?
MAO-B inhibitors block the enzyme that breaks down dopamine, preserving dopamine and improving motor symptoms.
What are some examples of non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists?
Pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine.
What is the main difference between levodopa and dopamine-receptor agonists?
Levodopa replaces dopamine by converting into dopamine in the brain, while dopamine agonists mimic dopamine by directly stimulating dopamine receptors.
How do COMT inhibitors like entacapone and tolcapone help in Parkinson’s Disease?
COMT inhibitors block the enzyme COMT, which breaks down levodopa, thus increasing the amount of levodopa available for conversion into dopamine and extending its effect.
What role does amantadine play in Parkinson’s Disease treatment?
Amantadine increases dopamine release, blocks dopamine reuptake, and acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, helping to reduce dyskinesia.
What is apomorphine used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
Apomorphine is a fast-acting dopamine receptor agonist used to rapidly relieve “off” symptoms when other medications like levodopa are ineffective.
What are impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s Disease, and which medications are associated with them?
Impulse control disorders involve behaviours like gambling, hypersexuality, or binge eating. They are often associated with dopamine-receptor agonists and other dopaminergic therapies.
What is levodopa’s primary function in treating Parkinson’s Disease?
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that is converted into dopamine in the brain, which helps to control movement and alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
What is the major difference between ergot-derived dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine) and non-ergot-derived dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole)?
Ergot-derived dopamine agonists are derived from ergot alkaloids and have more side effects, especially concerning heart valves, while non-ergot-derived agonists are synthetic and have a better safety profile.
