Basal ganglia in striatum: Controls movements, balance, & coordination

Death of cells in Basal ganglia: Uncontrolled movements, loss of smooth muscle control

Substantia nigra of brain holds neurons that produce dopamine: Communication to perform controlled movements & coordination

Dopamine degenerating neurons: Loss of dopamine - Communication interrupted, irregular and impaired movements

Is not known as to how dopamine degenerates/decreases Norepinephrine: Chemical neurotransmitter related to dopamine-Controls automatic functions of body (Ex: heart rate, temp, blood pressure)

Norepinephrine loss: Fatique, irregular GI tract, postural hypotentsion(loss of balance, sudden drop in blood pressure due to standing up)

Neurotransmitter Dopamine Deficiency: Causes inflammatory changes with in basal ganglia - Tremors, slouched posture, masklike facial expressions, rhythmic movements

Neurologist: Specializes in movement/impaired disorders of brain – Balance, control, cognitive techniques, and motor/sensory functions

Initial Physician Exam: Assess symptoms (muscle control, eye movement abnormalities, tremor, speech impairment) & compile records/tests for diagnosing disease- Carbidopa – levodopa medication may be prescribed

Clinical Exam: No single diagnostic test for disease

Neuroimaging: Neurological imaging/exam to determine affected nerve cells & Progression

Positron-emission tomography (PET) scan: Levoda radioactive scan/imaging-Drug injection enhancing dopamine into brain; highlights loss of dopamine cells

Single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT):Imaging measuring metabolic & physiological functions to dopamine cells; measure progressive loss of neurons

Progressive disease:

Exercise:

MedicationsLevodopa:

Anticolinergics: Brain Surgery

Deep Brain Stimulation:

Rehab Therapy Speech-Occupational-Physical:

Alternative TherapyEssential oils, herbs, massage, acupuncture:

Life expectancy: Depends on symptoms of disease & initial treatment administered

Body weight/diet breakthrough: Eating habits and weight change both contribute to progression of Parkinson’s patients – Deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s patients was contributing to weight gain

Consequently, the weight gain provided increased ability in pleasure, regaining cognitive functions, as well as increase in smell & taste.

1. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/symptomsanddiagnosis.01.html

2. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview

3. www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/285888.php

4. www.ncbinlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001762

5. www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neuroligic_disorders

6. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528272

7. www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview

8. www.mayoclinic.org/disease-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms

9. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/causes/con-20028488

10. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0003683/

11. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11948753