Overview of Parkinson's Disease and Its Management

Parkinson's Disease

Progressive, degenerative disease of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Primarily affects basal ganglia, impacting initiation and implementation of voluntary movements

Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

No known cause (80-90% of cases).

Familial Parkinson's Disease

Due to genetic mutation in PARK1, PARK8, PARK2, PARK7, PARK6, and PARK9 genes (5-10% of cases).

Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease

2nd most common neurodegenerative disorder.

Lifetime risk of Parkinson's Disease

0.1% lifetime risk.

Age-related risk

Risk of developing increases with age, 1-2% over 65 years of age.

Average age of onset

Around 60 years of age.

Gender prevalence

More common in males.

Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Akinesia, Bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, stooped posture & shuffling gait, rest tremor, and facial Amimia.

Non-motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Mood disorders, sleep disorders, Hyposmia, vision impairment, touch/sensation changes, cognitive changes, and Autonomic Nervous System impairments.

Speech and Language Implications of PD

Hyperkinetic Dysarthria, Dysphagia, Micrographia.

Neurological Basis of Parkinson's Disease

Loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra (pars compacta) of the Basal Ganglia.

Dopamine's role in movement

Loss of dopamine affects the Nigrostriatal Tract, which is particularly important in regulating voluntary movement and posture.

Lewy bodies

Pathological indication of PD found in the cytoplasm of surviving neurons.

• identified by alpha-synuclein protein

Pathological changes in Parkinson's Disease

Widespread changes throughout brainstem, limbic lobe, neocortex, and pyramidal pathway.

Pathological inclusions

Found in autonomic nervous system, enteric nervous system in gastrointestinal tract.

Management options for Parkinson's Disease

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: Learn rehabilitative exercises, identify strategies to cope with disease and maintain safety.

Levodopa

A dopamine replenishing medication that helps manage motor symptoms by compensating for the brain's reduced dopamine levels.

Surgical intervention for Parkinson's Disease

Deep brain stimulation by inserting electrodes to stimulate parts of the Basal Ganglia to help control movement.