Parkinson's Trivia 2

Question 1

Which famous boxer was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad Ali

Answer

Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, three years after retiring from boxing.

Question 2

What is the name of the protein that abnormally clumps in the brains of Parkinson's patients?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-synuclein

Answer

Alpha-synuclein misfolds and aggregates into Lewy bodies, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease pathology.

Question 3

In which decade was the drug levodopa first introduced as a treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

1960s

Answer

Levodopa was introduced in the 1960s and remains the most effective medication for managing Parkinson's motor symptoms.

Question 4

What percentage of Parkinson's cases are estimated to be genetic in origin?

Accepted Answer

About 5–10%

Answer

Approximately 5–10% of Parkinson's cases are linked to identified genetic mutations, while the majority are idiopathic.

Question 5

Which sense is commonly impaired years before motor symptoms appear in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Smell

Answer

Loss of smell (hyposmia or anosmia) is a well-documented prodromal symptom that can precede motor symptoms by years.

Parkinson's Practice Test