Parkinson's Parkinson's Sleep and Autonomic Function 2

Question 1

What is typically the recommended first-line management step for orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Increasing dietary salt and fluid intake

Answer

Non-pharmacological measures — especially increased salt (2–3 g/day) and fluid intake — are the first-line approach before adding medications for orthostatic hypotension in PD.

Question 2

Constipation in Parkinson's disease results primarily from which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-synuclein deposits disrupting the enteric nervous system

Answer

Alpha-synuclein accumulation in the enteric nervous system (the gut's own nerve network) impairs bowel motility, causing constipation that is common and often an early feature of PD.

Question 3

Drooling (sialorrhea) in Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Reduced swallowing frequency due to oropharyngeal motor impairment

Answer

PD does not increase saliva production; rather, impaired voluntary swallowing means saliva pools in the mouth and spills over, causing drooling.

Question 4

Urinary urgency and frequency in Parkinson's disease most commonly result from which bladder dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Detrusor overactivity (overactive bladder)

Answer

Loss of dopaminergic inhibition of the micturition reflex leads to detrusor overactivity — involuntary bladder contractions that drive urgency and frequency in PD.

Question 5

Midodrine treats orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease through which pharmacological mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Activating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction

Answer

Midodrine is a selective alpha-1 agonist that constricts peripheral blood vessels, raising standing blood pressure and relieving orthostatic hypotension.

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Practice Test

Parkinson's Parkinson's Sleep and Autonomic Function 2