Parkinson's Knowledge 4

Question 1

Which imaging technique is most commonly used to support a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by detecting dopamine transporter loss?

Accepted Answer

DaTscan (SPECT imaging)

Answer

DaTscan uses SPECT imaging with a radiolabeled tracer to visualize dopamine transporter levels in the striatum, helping confirm dopaminergic deficiency.

Question 2

What is dyskinesia in the context of Parkinson's disease management?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary writhing movements caused by long-term levodopa use

Answer

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia refers to involuntary, often twisting movements that develop as a complication of long-term levodopa therapy.

Question 3

Which Parkinson's symptom specifically refers to abnormally small handwriting?

Accepted Answer

Micrographia

Answer

Micrographia is progressively small and cramped handwriting resulting from the fine motor deficits of Parkinson's disease.

Question 4

What is the role of COMT inhibitors (e.g., entacapone) in Parkinson's treatment?

Accepted Answer

Extend the effect of levodopa by preventing its peripheral breakdown

Answer

COMT inhibitors block the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase, reducing peripheral metabolism of levodopa and extending its duration of action.

Question 5

Which Parkinson's non-motor symptom is associated with reduced sense of smell, often appearing years before motor symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hyposmia (anosmia)

Answer

Hyposmia (reduced sense of smell) is one of the earliest prodromal non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, often predating motor signs by years.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Knowledge 4