Parkinson's Toolkit

A protein expressed prominently in the central nervous system. Misfolding of this protein is associated with several neurodegenerative disorders, including PD.

Brief Smell Identification Test (BSITⁱ ) - a 12 item version of the UPSITⁱ (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test- 40 odors) useful for detecting smell loss quickly.

A cognitive disorder where individuals believe people they know have been replaced by identical “impostors”.

A commercially available scan that uses an intravenously administered radiolabeled ligand that binds the dopamine transporter (DAT) on the synaptic terminals of nigrostriatal neurons.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBSⁱ) - a surgical treatment involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain. Used to deliver electricity to treat symptoms of PD.

The therapeutic generation of local heat in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic currents and dangerous when combined with DBSⁱ.

A syndrome secondary to a dopamine reward system malfunction after long exposure to dopamine replacement (sinemet). Characterized by behavioral disturbances including compulsive need for excess medication, and other behavioral features. A similar syndrome may occur with dopamine agonists and is called impulse control disorder and commonly manifests with excessive shopping, gambling, eating, hypersexuality or other behaviors.

A test used to measure daytime sleepiness.

Same as MMSEⁱ or Mini-Mental State Examination - a test used to evaluate cognitive impairment.

The loss of motion in the shoulder due to inflammation and pain.

An abnormal nervous system aggregates that include the protein α-synuclein. Lewy bodies are associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases, not only PD.

Lee Silverman Treatment (LSVT - BIGⁱ) - a method used for improving motion in individuals diagnosed with PD by emphasizing exaggerated movements.

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT – LOUDⁱ) - a method used for improving voice and speech in individuals diagnosed with PD by emphasizing in high phonatory-respiratory effort.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSEⁱ) - a test used to evaluate cognitive impairment.

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCAⁱ) - a test used to evaluate cognitive impairment.

A test used to measure daytime sleepiness.

A reaction that may occur from sudden withdrawal of dopamine and it may lead to severe parkinsonism, fever, blood in the urine, blood pressure fluctuations, respiratory depression, and other serious consequences.

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence – United Kingdom

An acute dystonic reaction usually secondary to a neuroleptic or other drug treatment. The eyes may roll up or move to a fix position for minutes or hours.

A protein encoded by the PARK2 gene. It has been associated with PD, but exact function is unknown. A mutation in PARKINⁱ can lead to a genetic form of PD.

A test used to check for balance and ability to correct balance when pulled.

Parkinson’s Disease Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders Questionnaire (QUIPⁱ) - a three section screening questionnaire used to evaluate impulsive – compulsive disorders in PD.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBDⁱ) - a sleep disorder in which a person acts out their dreams during the rapid eye movement phase of sleep where muscles are normally at complete rest.

University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSITⁱ) - a 'scratch and sniff' test of 40 odors developed by the University of Pennsylvania, commonly abnormal in early PD.

When levodopa medication has worn off and patient starts developing typical symptoms of PD (tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, etc.)

When a patient has taken dopamine replacement therapy or has a DBSⁱ device and they feel subjectively "on" with reduction in their symptoms.