What is Parkinson's?
What chemical in the brain is most related to the disease?
Dopamine
Name 3 different medications used in PD
Sinemet, Amantadine, dopamine agonists, etc.
Signs that your PD is progressing?
reduced facial expression, fine motor tasks are more difficult, postural/gait changes, freezing
What are the 4 cardinal symptoms of PD?
Resting Tremor, Asymmetrical Onset, Rigidity, Bradykinesia
What are common side effects to look out for with Sinemet?
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, dyskinesias
Name 2 other conditions that could come up with PD?
Constipation, Depression, Dimentia
What are some of the possible causes of the disease?
Age related decline, Environmental causes, Genetics
What are 2 things outside of medications to help manage PD?
Counselling, diet, exercise (Tai Chi, yoga, weights, water exercises), rehab programs, support groups
What do we mean by wearing off?
effects of medication wear off before the next dose