Parkinson's Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

Which pathological hallmark is characteristic of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of Alpha-synuclein

Answer

Aggregation of Tau protein

Answer

Formation of Amyloid beta plaques

Answer

Presence of Neurofibrillary tangles

Question 2

Identify the cardinal motor symptom of Parkinson's disease:

Accepted Answer

Impaired movement (Bradykinesia)

Answer

Involuntary muscle contractions (Dystonia)

Answer

Loss of coordination (Ataxia)

Answer

Muscle twitching (Fasciculations)

Question 3

Which medication is commonly used as the first-line treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Amantadine

Answer

Bromocriptine

Answer

Selegiline

Question 4

Identify a potential adverse effect associated with long-term levodopa therapy:

Accepted Answer

Involuntary movements (Dyskinesias)

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Muscle spasms (Myoclonus)

Question 5

What is the primary mechanism of action of amantadine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits dopamine reuptake

Answer

Acts as a dopamine receptor agonist

Answer

Blocks anticholinergic effects

Answer

Inhibits monoamine oxidase

Question 6

Identify the primary risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease:

Accepted Answer

Advanced age

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Exposure to environmental toxins

Answer

Tobacco use

Question 7

Which long-term complication is associated with chronic levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Question 8

In Parkinson's disease treatment, how do levodopa and dopamine agonists work?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa increases brain dopamine, while dopamine agonists activate dopamine receptors.

Answer

Both levodopa and dopamine agonists increase dopamine production.

Answer

Levodopa binds to dopamine receptors, while dopamine agonists increase dopamine synthesis.

Answer

Neither levodopa nor dopamine agonists affect brain dopamine levels.

Question 9

In Parkinson's disease, what is the primary role of alpha-synuclein accumulation?

Accepted Answer

Formation of Lewy bodies

Answer

Dopamine depletion

Answer

Neuroinflammation

Answer

Blood-brain barrier disruption

Question 10

In Parkinson's disease, the primary neurological deficit is a result of what?

Accepted Answer

Dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra

Answer

Glutamatergic neuron degeneration in the striatum

Answer

GABAergic neuron loss in the globus pallidus

Answer

Cholinergic neuron degeneration in the nucleus basalis of Meynert

Question 11

Which of the following motor symptoms is NOT characteristic of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Spasticity

Answer

Bradykinesia

Answer

Resting tremor

Answer

Dystonia

Question 12

According to the Hoehn and Yahr staging system for Parkinson's disease, patients at stage 2:

Accepted Answer

Experience some balance impairment but can walk unassisted

Answer

Require occasional assistance with walking

Answer

Are restricted to a wheelchair

Answer

Are bedridden

Question 13

Which of the following is a recommended first-line pharmacological treatment for early-stage Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa-carbidopa

Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Anticholinergics

Answer

MAO-B inhibitors

Question 14

A patient with Parkinson's disease experiences sudden, involuntary movements known as dyskinesias. What is the most likely cause of these movements?

Accepted Answer

Dopaminergic over-stimulation

Answer

Cholinergic under-stimulation

Answer

Glutamatergic over-stimulation

Answer

GABAergic under-stimulation

Question 15

Parkinson's disease is most commonly diagnosed in:

Accepted Answer

Individuals in their 70s

Answer

Individuals in their 20s

Answer

Individuals in their 50s

Answer

Individuals in their 90s

Question 16

Which of the following environmental factors has been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to herbicides and pesticides

Answer

Consumption of high-fat diets

Answer

Regular caffeine intake

Answer

Prolonged sun exposure

Question 17

What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency associated with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Bradykinesia

Answer

Dystonia

Answer

Apraxia

Answer

Aphasia

Question 19

Which diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for confirming a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Answer

Physical examination

Answer

Blood test

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 20

Which of the following pharmacological agents is commonly used as first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

Anticholinergics

Answer

MAO inhibitors

Question 21

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is the primary cause of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 22

Which diagnostic test is considered the most reliable for confirming a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine transporter imaging

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Electromyography (EMG)

Question 23

What is the usual first-line pharmacological treatment for early-stage Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

MAO-B inhibitors

Answer

Anticholinergics

Question 24

Which of the following adverse effects is most commonly associated with levodopa therapy?

Accepted Answer

Dyskinesias

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension

Answer

Constipation

Question 25

What is the recommended frequency for monitoring disease progression in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Every 3-6 months

Answer

Annually

Answer

Every 2-3 years

Answer

As needed, based on symptom severity

Question 26

Which lifestyle factor has been associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High caffeine intake

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Excessive alcohol consumption

Question 27

State the essential diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease, considering both motor and non-motor symptoms.

Accepted Answer

Bradykinesia, resting tremor, and rigidity, along with depression and sleep disturbances

Answer

Bradykinesia, depression, and hallucinations

Answer

Tremor, weight loss, and cognitive decline

Answer

Muscle rigidity, urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline

Question 28

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is primarily associated with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 29

What is the gold standard diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Clinical examination

Answer

MRI

Answer

PET scan

Answer

Blood test

Question 30

Which medication is a first-line treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine agonists

Answer

MAO inhibitors

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Anticholinergics

Question 31

What is the primary mechanism of action of dopamine agonists in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating dopamine receptors

Answer

Inhibiting dopamine reuptake

Answer

Blocking dopamine metabolism

Answer

Increasing dopamine synthesis

Question 32

What is the rationale for using deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

To stimulate dopamine receptors

Answer

To inhibit dopamine production

Answer

To ablate brain regions involved in tremor

Answer

To improve cognitive function

Question 33

Regarding the prognosis of Parkinson's disease, which statement is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

It varies significantly depending on individual factors, such as age of onset, disease severity, and response to treatment.

Answer

Complete remission of symptoms is a common outcome with appropriate treatment

Answer

Patients will experience a progressive decline in motor and cognitive function with no periods of stability

Answer

Full recovery is typically observed within a few years of diagnosis

Question 34

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with levodopa treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dyskinesia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 35

Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected in Parkinson's disease, leading to its characteristic motor symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Question 36

A hallmark clinical manifestation of Parkinson's disease is:

Accepted Answer

Bradykinesia

Answer

Hyperreflexia

Answer

Positive Babinski sign

Answer

Aphasia

Question 37

Which diagnostic test is considered the most definitive for confirming a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

PET scan using a dopamine transporter ligand

Answer

Electromyography

Answer

MRI with gadolinium contrast

Answer

Lumbar puncture

Question 38

In the pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease, which medication is typically initiated as first-line therapy?

Accepted Answer

Levodopa

Answer

Amantadine

Answer

Carbidopa

Answer

Pramipexole

Question 39

Which potential complication is associated with long-term levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dyskinesias

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 40

In addition to pharmacological interventions, which non-pharmacological intervention has demonstrated benefits in managing motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy

Answer

Speech therapy

Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Occupational therapy

Question 41

Which advanced surgical intervention may be considered for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease that is not adequately controlled with medications?

Accepted Answer

Deep brain stimulation

Answer

Tracheostomy

Answer

Gastrostomy tube placement

Question 42

Which professional should be consulted for the psychological assessment and support of individuals with Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Neuropsychologist

Answer

Psychiatrist

Answer

Neurologist