Parkinson's Disease Pathophysiology

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What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of voluntary movement in Parkinson’s disease?

Glutamate

GABA

Acetylcholine

Dopamine (correct)

What is the role of the nigrostriatal pathway in Parkinson’s disease?

Modulating and smoothing voluntary muscular movement (correct)

Regulating emotional responses

Controlling cognitive function

Modulating and smoothing involuntary muscular movement

What is the primary site of degeneration in Parkinson’s disease?

Basal ganglia

Substantia nigra (correct)

Cerebellum

Cerebral cortex

What is the function of the dopamine active transport scan (DaTSCAN) in Parkinson’s disease diagnosis?

To rule out other causes of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of GABA-ergic activity in Parkinson’s disease?

Inhibitory activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the current understanding of the cause of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease?

Unknown Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people with parkinsonism is due to drug treatment?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors in levodopa treatment?

To reduce the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of antimuscarinics in Parkinson's disease management?

Reducing cholinergic excess due to dopamine deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of COMT inhibitors in levodopa treatment?

Reduces the peripheral breakdown of levodopa Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of starting levodopa treatment at low doses and titrating up?

To reduce side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between dopamine agonists and levodopa?

Dopamine agonists act directly at receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the side effect of dopamine agonists that is more severe than levodopa?

Psychiatric side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of MAO-B inhibitors on dopamine in the synaptic cleft?

Increase dopamine levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of combination products like Stalevo?

To reduce tablet burden for patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Rasagiline and Selegiline?

Rasagiline is not metabolized to amphetamine derivatives, while Selegiline is Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Selegiline oral lyophilisates freeze-dried tablets (Zelpar)?

Pre-gastric absorption, avoiding first-pass metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is the precaution to be taken when using tolcapone?

Monitor for hepatotoxicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using dopamine agonists over levodopa?

No need to be converted to dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main mechanism of action of Amantadine (Symmetrel)?

Unknown, but has modest antiparkinsonian effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason Antimuscarinics are not generally used for idiopathic Parkinson's disease?

They cause cognitive impairment and confusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Apomorphine?

It is a potent dopamine receptor stimulant, providing a strong response Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of Deep Brain Stimulation?

It changes electrical signals in the brain, providing a more consistent response Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason to limit protein in the evening meal for advanced Parkinson's disease patients?

Protein competes with Levodopa for absorption, reducing its effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason to avoid Antiemetics, such as metoclopramide and prochlorperazine, in Parkinson's disease patients?

They block dopamine receptors, worsening Parkinson's disease symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of Parkinson's disease on communication and speech?

Struggle to find words, with reduced non-verbal cues Signup and view all the answers