Verhaltensneurologische Störungen bei Parkinson-Patienten - Klinische Merkmale und anatomische Besonderheiten
Verhaltensneurologische Störungen bei Parkinson-Patienten - Klinische Merkmale und anatomische Besonderheiten
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Original abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the most prevalent type of Parkinsonism. It is caused by a marked degeneration of dopaminergic cells of the basal ganglia, predominantly in the substantia nigra that produce disturbances in motor behavior. The characteristic tetrad (known as TRAP) consists of tremor, cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia/akinesia and postural instability and is often accompanied by several non-motor symptoms, like vegetative and autonomic dysfunctions. A higher incidence for depression, dementia and executive dysfunctions as well as olfactory and visual disturbances are also present. The dopaminergic degeneration is correlated to the motor deterioration. The neuropsychiatric picture is explained by dopaminergic degeneration of the ventral tegmental area and its fronto-limbic projections leading to a consecutive reduction of frontal dopaminergic receptors. Moreover, an increased frequency of Lewy-bodies, as well as dysfunctions of cholinergic and serotonergic pathways is also likely to be present in the brains of patients with Parkinson's Disease.