Review of Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia

A set of vocabulary flashcards to review key concepts related to Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia for exam preparation.

Parkinson's Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Key symptoms include tremors, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.

Levodopa

A dopamine precursor used as the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

Dopamine Agonists

Medications that mimic the effects of dopamine used in treating Parkinson's Disease.

MAO-B Inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase B, used to increase dopamine levels in Parkinson's Disease.

Lewy Body Dementia

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain.

Core Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Include cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism.

Cognitive Decline in Lewy Body Dementia

Occurs early and is often more pronounced than in Parkinson's Disease.

Diagnostic Criteria for Lewy Body Dementia

Based on clinical symptoms including cognitive decline, hallucinations, and parkinsonism.

Key Differences Between Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia

In PD, cognitive symptoms appear later, while in LBD, they appear earlier along with visual hallucinations.

TRAP Mnemonic

Used to remember Parkinsonian symptoms: Tremor, Rigidity, Akinesia (or Bradykinesia), and Postural instability.

Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

Can include symptoms such as constipation and orthostatic hypotension.

Neurodegenerative Disorder

A type of disease where nerve cells in the brain or nervous system gradually break down over time.

Response to Levodopa

Often used to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease based on clinical symptoms.

Physical Therapy for Motor Symptoms

Recommended treatment approach for alleviating motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.

Fluctuating Cognition in Lewy Body Dementia

Patients may experience changing levels of alertness and confusion.

Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Clinically based on motor symptoms, brain imaging may be used to rule out other conditions.

Key Points in Management of Lewy Body Dementia

Include cautious use of levodopa and consideration of cholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive symptoms.