Parkinson's Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Parkinson's facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the most common anxiety disorder seen in Parkinson's disease? → Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
2. Bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease is best described as: → Slowness of movement
3. The Braak staging system for Parkinson's disease describes: → The caudal-to-rostral spread of Lewy body pathology through the brain
4. Young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) is generally defined by the Parkinson's Foundation as a diagnosis occurring before what age? → Age 50
5. Which skin condition occurs significantly more frequently in Parkinson's disease patients compared to the general population? → Seborrheic dermatitis
6. For a patient with Parkinson's disease, levodopa is prescribed. The nurse should be aware of the following before administering the medication: → Levodopa may cause the side effects of orthostatic hypotension
7. Pesticide exposure (particularly rotenone and paraquat) has been linked to Parkinson's disease because these chemicals: → Inhibit mitochondrial complex I and increase oxidative stress in dopaminergic neurons
8. Which therapy program specifically targets speech volume and quality in Parkinson's disease patients? → LSVT LOUD
9. A client with Parkinson's disease is being evaluated by a nurse. The following client behaviors help the nurse identify bradykinesia: → Lack of spontaneous movement
10. What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and Parkinson's disease symptoms? → Alcohol can worsen balance, increase fall risk, and interact with Parkinson's medications
11. Which type of head injury history has been associated with increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease? → Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
12. Exercise is recommended for Parkinson's disease primarily because: → It has neuroprotective potential and improves motor function, balance, and mood
13. The global prevalence of Parkinson's disease is projected to increase significantly in coming decades primarily because of: → Global aging of the population
14. What type of hallucination is MOST commonly reported by Parkinson's disease patients? → Visual hallucinations
15. Which type of exercise has research shown may have neuroprotective effects and slow disease progression in Parkinson's patients? → High-intensity aerobic exercise
16. Which type of clothing fastener is most beneficial for Parkinson's patients who experience reduced hand dexterity? → Magnetic closures or Velcro instead of buttons
17. The term 'palilalia,' a speech symptom occasionally seen in Parkinson's disease, refers to: → Involuntary repetition of one's own words or phrases
18. Living in which type of setting has been associated with a higher risk of Parkinson's disease? → Rural areas
19. The Parkinson's Foundation Helpline (1-800-4PD-INFO) primarily provides which service to callers? → Free referrals to neurologists and support resources via trained staff
20. Young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) is defined as a diagnosis of Parkinson's before the age of: → 50
21. The laser cane used by some Parkinson's patients projects a line on the floor primarily to help with: → Freezing of gait by providing a visual target to step over
22. Which beverage has epidemiological evidence suggesting it may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease? → Caffeinated coffee
23. Which home modification specifically reduces fall risk during nighttime bathroom trips in Parkinson's patients? → Night lights along the path from the bedroom to the bathroom
24. Which vitamin deficiency has been associated with increased risk or severity of Parkinson's disease? → Vitamin D
25. What abnormal protein aggregates are the pathological hallmark found in neurons in Parkinson's disease? → Lewy bodies (alpha-synuclein)
26. Why should people with Parkinson's taking levodopa be cautious about high-protein meals? → Protein competes with levodopa for absorption in the small intestine
27. What term describes mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease that does not yet meet criteria for dementia? → PD-MCI
28. Which of the following causes dementia the most frequently among elderly people? → Alzheimer’s disease
29. Which writing difficulty, common in Parkinson's disease, is characterized by handwriting that becomes progressively smaller as the person continues to write? → Micrographia
30. Orthostatic hypotension is clinically defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least how many mmHg within 3 minutes of standing? → 20 mmHg