WEEK 5 Parkinsons Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
A chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder resulting from the degeneration of dopamine producing neurones in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia.
What are common signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, postural instability.
What is the role of the Basal Ganglia?
- Well-learned motor skills & movement sequences
- Preparation and planning
- Initiation and termination
- Sequencing and timing
- Regulating muscle tone and inhibition of antagonistic/unnecessary movements
What is the incidence of Parkinson’s Disease in men compared to women?
1.5 times higher in men than in women.
What are the cardinal signs of Parkinson’s Disease?
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
- Resting tremor
- Postural instability
What are the secondary clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
- Difficulty initiating and terminating movement
- Fatigue
- Freezing
- ‘Festinating’ gait pattern
- Sleep disorders
- Swallow dysfunction (dysphagia)
- Anxiety & depression
What are the two pathways within the Basal Ganglia?
- Direct Pathway
- Indirect Pathway
What does the Direct Pathway (Go) promote?
Movement.
What does the Indirect Pathway (Stop) inhibit?
Movement.
How does dopamine affect the Direct Pathway?
Dopamine excites the Direct Pathway.
How does dopamine affect the Indirect Pathway?
Dopamine inhibits the Indirect Pathway.
What is the effect of a lack of dopamine in Parkinson’s Disease?
Less excitation of the Direct Pathway and less inhibition of the Indirect Pathway.
What are some examples of dopamine replacement medications?
- Madopar
- Sinemet
What are dopamine agonists?
Dopamine copycats, e.g., Apomorphine, Pergolide.
What do dopamine protectors do?
Protect current levels of dopamine by blocking enzymes that break it down.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation used for in Parkinson’s Disease?
To decrease symptoms of dyskinesia which occur as a secondary effect from prolonged dopaminergic treatments.
What is a characteristic posture seen in postural instability of Parkinson’s Disease?
Characteristic flexed posture with flexed hips and knees.
What is the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale used for?
Clinical staging of Parkinson’s Disease on a scale of 1 to 5.
What is one principle for enhancing function in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease?
Cueing.
Fill in the blank: Exercise is shown to improve function in Parkinson’s Disease, including activities such as _______.
[Pilates, Yoga, Dance, PD Warrior]
True or False: Parkinson’s Disease can only be diagnosed with 100% certainty via a post-mortem brain examination.
True.
