Parkinson's Disease Glossary 

A guide to the scientific language of Parkinson's disease for the non- scientist

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Acetylcholine: One of the chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and other areas of the central and peripheral nervous system. It is highly concentrated in the basal ganglia, where it influences movement. It is located in other regions of the brain as well, and plays a role in memory. Drugs that block acetylcholine receptors (so-called anticholinergics) are utilized in the treatment of PD. 

Agonists: A chemical or drug that can activate a neurotransmitter receptor. Dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine and apomorphine, are used in the treatment of PD.

Akinesia: Literally, means loss of movement. It is usually interchangeably with bradykinesia (see below).

Alpha-synuclein: A protein present in nerve terminals. The accumulation of this protein is a pathologic finding in PD. The gene (SNCA) was the first genetic mutation found in PD, and was called PARK1. Alpha-synuclein also accumulates in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and in Lewy Body Disease. Alpha-synuclein appears to play a key role in the pathogenesis of PD.

Amantadine: A medication used to treat Parkinson's disease as a single therapy or with L-DOPA and other medications. It has both an anti-Parkinson's effect and an anti-dyskinesia effect. 

Amygdala: An almond-shaped nucleus located deep in the brain's medial temporal lobe in animals. It is involved in fear and anxiety responses, in particular in the formation of memories involving emotion.

Anticholinergics: A type of medication that interferes with the action of acetylcholine (see above). Examples include:

• benztropine mesylate
• biperiden hydrochloride
• orphenadrine citrate
• procyclidine hydrochloride
• trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride.

Antagonists: Has the opposite effect from an agonist (see above). Antagonists block neurotransmitter receptors. Dopamine antagonists can worsen Parkinson's symptoms and can cause drug-induced Parkinsonism. Virtually all antipsychotic drugs have dopamine antagonist action.

Ataxia: Inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait.

ATP13A2 (PARK 9): A gene that codes for a form of the ATPase enzyme. When mutated, this gene may cause a form of early onset Parkinson’s.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Part of the peripheral nervous system, consisting of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that control involuntary actions, in particular the heart, smooth muscle (such as bladder and blood vessels) and glands.

Autosomal: Refers to all the chromosomes excluding the sex-related X and Y chromosomes.

Autosomal recessive: A mode of inheritance of genetic traits located on the autosomes that only becomes manifest when two copies of a mutated gene (two alleles) are present. In order for a particular trait to be expressed, both parents must have the particular mutated allele or gene, and both must pass it to the offspring who then manifests the genetic disease. Some genetic forms of PD are autosomal recessive, such as from the genes known as parkin, PINK1 and DJ1. In some cases, the gene of interest is missing. In others, there are abnormalities and if 2 different abnormalities of the same are inherited, that can result in recessive inheritance.

Axon: A nerve fiber that carries electrical impulses from the nerve cell body to other neurons. Thick axons tend to be through the brain and spinal cord; they are surrounded by a protective fatty sheath called myelin (in multiple sclerosis the myelin is damaged). Thin axons tend to be unmyelinated. In PD, alpha-synuclein (see above) is deposited in long, thin axons, and these are called Lewy neurites.

Basal ganglia: Clusters of neurons that include the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus and substantia nigra which are located deep in the brain and play an important role in movement. Cell death in the substantia nigra contributes to Parkinsonian signs.

Biomarker: An early indicator that a person may have a disease, such as Parkinson’s. A biomarker, if present, could indicate that the person has a disease before symptoms of that disease appear. There is a search for biomarkers for PD. Biomarkers could be a chemical, clinical, physiologic or imaging finding.

Blood brain barrier: The separating membrane between the blood and the brain; a tight physical barrier that normally keeps immune cells, chemicals and drugs out of the brain.

Bradykinesia: Literally, means slowness of movement. It is commonly used synonymously with akinesia and hypokinesia. Bradykinesia is a clinical hallmark of Parkinsonism.

Brain stem: The part of the brain between the cerebral hemispheres and the spinal cord. The three parts of the brain stem are the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. The brain stem is a vital structure that is a passageway between the brain and spinal cord, and it contains neurons involved in sleep and wakefulness. The substantia nigra, which is damaged in Parkinson's, is located in the midbrain of the brain stem.

Calcium: An essential mineral. Calcium is important for neurological "signaling" and is involved in many chemical reactions within neurons and in mitochondria function. Calcium overload in substantia nigra has been postulated as one mechanism that could contribute to death of these neurons.

Carbidopa: A drug given with levodopa. Carbidopa blocks the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, thereby preventing levodopa from being metabolized to dopamine. Because carbidopa does not penetrate the blood brain barrier (see above), it only blocks levodopa metabolism in the peripheral tissues and not in the brain, thereby reducing side effects but increasing the effectiveness of levodopa.

Caudate nucleus: A nucleus located in the basal ganglia important in learning and memory. It is one component of the basal ganglia called the striatum. The other component is the putamen.

Cerebellum: Part of the hind brain; controls smooth movements. When damaged, it results in ataxia (see above).

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): A watery fluid generated within the brain's ventricles and circulates to bathe the brain and spinal cord to cushion these from physical impact.

Chronic: (opposite: acute) Chronic diseases are of long duration. Chronic diseases are typically of subtle onset and slow worsening over time. The term does not imply anything about the severity of a disease.

CNS: abbreviation of Central Nervous System, which consists of the brain, brain stem and spinal cord.

Cognition: Mental processes including attention, remembering, producing and understanding language, solving problems and making decisions.

Cognitive: Relating to mental activity such as thinking, reasoning, making judgments and remembering.

Computed tomography (CT): A medical imaging method employing computer processing to produce images seen as slices through the tissue. This presentation of images is known as tomography.

COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase): One of the enzymes that break down dopamine, adrenaline (also called epinephrine) and noradrenaline (also called norepinephrine).

Continuous Dopaminergic Stimulation (CDS): A therapeutic concept for the management of Parkinson's disease that proposes that continuous (as opposed to discontinuous or pulsatile) stimulation of striatal dopamine receptors will delay or prevent the onset of levodopa-related motor complications.

Cytokines: A number of small proteins that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system and carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. Higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are found in Parkinson’s brains. Unlike growth factors, they have no specific role in cell proliferation and are primarily linked to blood and immune cells. Cytokines have also been known to be involved in causing cell death.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): A surgical treatment that involves the implantation of a medical device (electrical stimulator) that acts as a brain pacemaker sending electrical impulses to the specific area in which the electrode was inserted. In Parkinson’s patients the device is typically inserted in either the subthalamic nucleus or the globus pallidus, less often in the thalamus or pedunculopontine nucleus, depending upon the specific problem.

Dementia: A decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Areas particularly affected include memory, attention, judgment, language, planning and problem solving.

• Alzheimer's disease dementia: The most common form of dementia, typically presents with difficulty in remembering names and events. May also initially include apathy and depression, and later impaired judgment, disorientation, confusion, behavior changes and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. Associated with abnormal deposits of the protein fragment beta-amyloid (plaques) and twisted strands of the protein tau (tangles) as well as brain nerve cell damage and death.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): Similar, but not identical, symptoms as in Alzheimer’s dementia. DLB commonly has a greater occurrence of sleep disturbances, well-formed visual hallucinations, and muscle rigidity. Associated with aggregation of alpha-synuclein in the cerebral cortex. Lewy bodies are also a pathologic hallmark in Parkinson's disease. The relationship of DLB and PD remains to be resolved.
• Parkinson's dementia: Presents similarly to Alzheimer’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies, but is typically preceded by clinical Parkinson's disease. Associated with alpha-synuclein aggregates that are more likely begin in the brain stem, including the substantia nigra.

Dendrites: (from Greek meaning, "tree”) Nerve fibers that project from the nerve cell body. Branches of dendrites are the receiving fibers of signals coming to the neuron from other neurons and convert these chemical signals into electrical ones to the nerve cell body.

Depression: A state of low mood. Some consider it a dysfunction, while others see it as an adaptive defense mechanism.

DJ-1: Mutations in this gene cause an autosomal recessive form of Parkinson’s disease. The function of the protein created by DJ-1 appears to reduce oxidative stress.

Dopa decarboxylase inhibitors: Drugs (such as carbidopa) that inhibit the metabolism of levodopa to form dopamine. By inhibiting dopa decarboxylase only in the peripheral organs (not CNS), levodopa concentration is increased and more can enter the brain. These drugs are particularly useful in Parkinson’s when used with levodopa.

Dopamine: A small chemical molecule that is one of the brain's neurotransmitters. It is found particularly in cells within the substantia nigra. These cells project to the striatum in the basal ganglia. Deficiency of dopamine causes symptoms of Parkinsonism.

Dopamine agonist: A compound that activates dopamine receptors, other than dopamine. Examples include, bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole hydrochloride (Requip), piribedil, cabergoline, apomorphine (Apokyn), rotigotine (Neupro patch) and lisuride. These act like dopamine, but are not actually dopamine. They can be used in both the early and late stages of Parkinson’s disease. They are the second most powerful type of anti-Parkinson medication after levodopa. They can cause side effects such as sleepiness, sleep attacks, ankle swelling, hallucinations and impulse control problems, more commonly than levodopa does.

Dopaminergic pathways: Neural pathways in the brain which utilize dopamine as their neurotransmitter. There are four major groups: the nigrostriatal, mesocortical, mesolimbic and tuberoinfundibular pathways.

• Nigrostriatal: Connects the substantia nigra to the striatum. Involved heavily in Parkinson’s.
• Mesocortical: Connects the ventral tegmental area (adjacent to the substantia nigra) to the cerebral cortex. Closely associated with the mesolimbic pathway.
• Mesolimbic: Connects ventral tegmental area to nucleus accumbens, amygdala & hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Along with the mesocortical pathway, is involved in memory, motivation, emotional response, reward and addiction. Can cause hallucinations and schizophrenia if not functioning properly.
• Tuberoinfundibular: from hypothalamus to pituitary gland involved in hormonal regulation, maternal behavior (nurturing), pregnancy and sensory processes.

Dysarthria: Impaired speech function.

Dyskinesia: Abnormal involuntary movements; hyperkinesia.

Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing.

Embryonic stem (ES) cells: see stem cells

Entacapone: A Parkinson’s drug that is used alongside levodopa and carbidopa. It inhibits the enzyme COMT, decreasing the breakdown of levodopa.

Festination: An involuntary quickening of the gait; the acceleration of gait noted in Parkinsonism and similar disorders, literally means "chasing the center of gravity".

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRi): An imaging technique designed specifically for the brain. It measures the rate at which oxygen is removed from the blood to the cells, therefore suggesting the activity of a particular area of the brain.

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid): The principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in human brain. GABA neurons are rich in the striatum, globus pallidus, substantia nigra and cerebellum.

GDNF: see growth factors

Gene therapy: The insertion of genes into an individual's cells and tissues to treat hereditary diseases where deleterious mutant alleles can be replaced with functional ones. The genes are usually placed within a non-pathogenic virus, which serves as the vector to penetrate the cells. Gene therapy can also be used to correct non-genetic deficiencies such as the loss of dopamine in Parkinson's, to modify the function of a group of cells (e.g. convert an excitatory structure to one that is inhibitory) or to provide a source of growth factors.

Genotype: The collection of genetic material in an organism that gives rise to its characteristics.

Glia (Glial cells): Non-neural cells, commonly called neuroglia or simply glia (Greek for "glue"), that maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for the brain's neurons.

Globus pallidus: A major part of the basal ganglia involved in movement control. Split into two main parts: the internal globus pallidus (GPi), and the external globus pallidus (GPe). Deep brain stimulation of the GPi is shown to have an increase in motor function in Parkinson's patients and to reduce dyskinesia.

Glutamate: An amino acid and the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain. The major input to the striatum is from the cerebral cortex. These corticostriatal neurons use glutamate as their neurostransmitter.

Growth factors: Naturally occurring substances (usually proteins) that help maintain the health of neurons and encourage cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Some growth factors are being looked at to try to promote the survival of the neural cells that are degenerating in Parkinson's.

• Glial cell line derived nerve growth factor (GDNF): Thought to promote the health of dopamine neurons.
• Brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF): Also supports dopamine neurons.
• Fibroblast growth factor (FGF): Studies have found a possible genetic link to Parkinson’s disease on the FGF20 gene.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B): May have neuroprotective affects in Parkinson’s disease.

Heterogeneity: Lacking uniformity in composition or character. (As opposed to homogeneity, which is uniformity in composition or character.)

Hippocampus: A complex neural structure (shaped like a sea horse) located in the temporal lobes of the brain; involved in memory storage and in motivation and emotion as part of the limbic system.

Hoehn and Yahr scale: A commonly used system for describing how the symptoms of Parkinson's disease progress. The higher the stage, the more advanced the disease.

• Stage 0: No signs of disease.
• Stage 1: Unilateral symptoms only.
• Stage 1.5: Unilateral and axial (midline) involvement.
• Stage 2: Bilateral symptoms. No impairment of balance.
• Stage 2.5: Mild bilateral disease with recovery on pull test.
• Stage 3: Balance impairment. Mild to moderate disease. Physically independent.
• Stage 4: Severe disability, but still able to walk or stand unassisted.
• Stage 5: Needing a wheelchair or bedridden unless assisted.

Hyperkinesia: An abnormal increase in movement and/or muscle activity; synonymous with dyskinesia.

Hypokinesia: Literally means reduced amplitude of movement. It is commonly used synonymously with akinesia and bradykinesia.

Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA): The three primary components of the endocrine system. Made up of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex, the HPA has a wide range of functions from stimulating the stress response to control of digestion, the immune system, mood, sexuality and energy storage and consumption.

Hypothalamus: A portion at the bottom of the middle of the brain that links the limbic system to the pituitary gland and is a master area for the autonomic nervous system.

Idiopathic: Arising from an unknown cause.

Impulse control disorder (ICD): A set of psychiatric disorders characterized by an inability to control one’s actions, in particular those that might bring harm to oneself or others. Common ICDs in patients receiving dopamine agonists are pathologic gambling, compulsive eating, compulsive shopping and hypersexuality.

Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2): A protein created by the LRRK2 gene which when mutated can lead to Parkinson’s. Several different disease causing LRRK2 gene variants have been found in Parkinson’s patients, but there may also be variants within the general population that do not necessarily cause disease.

Levodopa (L-DOPA): A chemical that is the precursor to dopamine. It can pass through the blood-brain barrier (whereas dopamine cannot). Once it has entered the central nervous system, L-dopa is converted into dopamine by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (DOPA decarboxylase/DDC). L-DOPA is also converted into dopamine within the peripheral nervous system, but this is usually blocked by employing peripherally-active dopa decarboxylase inhibitors.

Lewy bodies: A pathologic hallmark of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. First described by Frederic Lewy, Lewy bodies are seen microscopically as inclusions in neurons in several brain regions, including the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus. One protein seen is alpha-synuclein in an aggregated form. Aggregates of this protein in axons are called Lewy neurites.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A noninvasive medical imaging technique to visualize detailed internal structure and limited function of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT), making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and oncological (cancer-related) imaging.

MAO (monoamine oxidase): A family of enzymes with two subtypes: MAO-A and MAO-B. These catalyze the oxidation of amine molecules (replacing the amine group with an oxygen molecule.)

• MAO A inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the MAO-A enzyme, which is responsible for the metabolism of dietary tyramine. MAO-A inhibitors can cause tyramine-induced hypertension, the so-called "cheese effect" because tyramine can be found in high concentrations in some soft cultured cheeses.
• MAO B inhibitors: These drugs (e.g. selegiline, rasagiline) inhibit the breakdown of dopamine via MAO-B enzyme and do not cause the "cheese effect” of hypertension.

N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP): A neurotoxin precursor of MPP+ that is taken up in dopamine nerve terminals. MPP+ damages the dopamine cells. MPTP is catalyzed to MPP+ by MAO-B. MPTP has been widely used to create an animal model of Parkinsonism by depleting substantia nigra dopamine neurons. 

Microglia: A type of glial cell; it provides the first immune defense mechanism in the brain and central nervous system.

Motor skills: The degree of control or coordination provided by brain control of the skeletal muscles.

Motor symptoms: Symptoms that involve movement, coordination, physical tasks or mobility. These include, among others: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, freezing, micrographia, mask-like expression, unwanted accelerations, stooped posture, dystonia, impaired motor dexterity and coordination, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, muscle cramping, and drooling of saliva. (Also see: non-motor symptoms)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A less common degenerative neurological disorder that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease but with more widespread damage to the central nervous system. Other systems involved besides the basal ganglia include the cerebellum and autonomic systems.

Neuromelanin: The dark pigment made from oxidized metabolites of monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine, found in neurons enriched with these amines, namely the substantia nigra and locus ceruleus, respectively. Neuromelanin gives the substantia nigra (Latin for "black substance") its black appearance.

Neuromodulator: A chemical substance other than a neurotransmitter, released by a neuron at a synapse and either enhances or dampens their activities.

Neuroprotection: Mechanisms within the nervous system that would protect neurons from dying due to a degenerative disease or from other types of injury.

Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger in the nervous system that permits communication between two neuronal cells, normally across a synapse. The neurotransmitter is released from the nerve terminals on the axons. Examples of neurotransmitters include dopamine, acetylcholine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin, glutamate, and GABA.

Nicotine: A stimulant that acts as an agonist at nicotinic receptors in the brain. Smoking, which contains nicotine, has been associated with a decreased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Non-motor symptoms: Symptoms that do not involve movement, coordination, physical tasks or mobility, including loss of sense of smell, constipation, sleep disorders or disturbances, mood disorders, orthostatic hypotension, bladder problems, sexual problems, excessive saliva, weight loss or gain, vision and dental problems, fatigue, depression, fear and anxiety, skin problems, and cognitive issues. (See motor symptoms)

On and Off: The clinical states of PD while being treated with levodopa, which commonly causes clinical fluctuations after a few years of treatment. The "on” state is when the PD symptoms and signs are reduced by levodopa. The "off” state is when the benefit has been reduced or lost. The most common type of "off” is wearing-off, due to the levodopa’s benefit not lasting more than 4 hours after a dose. Sudden and unpredictable "off” states can also occur, but are less common. ”Off” states usually will respond to another dose of levodopa. Clinical fluctuations are considered a complication of levodopa therapy.

Orthostatic hypotension: A drop in blood pressure when a person is standing. It can be a complication of medications, but can sometimes be due to Parkinsonism itself.

Paradoxical kinesia: The ability to move as a response to an unexpected stimulus, occurring in a person who previously could not move so easily. Paradoxical kinesia can occur in Parkinson's disease.

Parkin: A protein that is generated by the Parkin gene. With homozygous (both alleles affected) Parkin mutations (PARK2 gene), Parkinson's disease develops. It is the most common cause of juvenile onset PD.

Parkinson-plus syndromes: A group of neurodegenerative diseases featuring the classical features of Parkinsonism (rigidity, akinesia/ bradykinesia, postural instability and less commonly tremor) with additional features that distinguish them from typical Parkinson's disease. Parkinson-plus syndromes include multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

Parkinsonism: A group of neurological diseases whose features include slowness and paucity of spontaneous movement (bradykinesia), rest tremors, rigidity of the muscles, loss of postural reflexes, flexed posture and freezing of gait.

Parkinsonian gait: With bradykinesia, gait is slow, short paced and with a tendency to shuffle, associated with decreased arm swing. Freezing of gait can also occur in Parkinsonism.

Pathogenesis: The underlying biologic mechanism responsible for a disease.

PINK-1: An abbreviation for the name of a gene that encodes serine/threonine kinase, an enzyme found in mitochondria that stops stress related cell destruction. With homozygous (both alleles affected) PINK-1 mutations, juvenile or early onset Parkinson’s disease can develop. Lack of PINK-1 causes an overload of calcium in mitochondria and indirectly cell death. The substantia nigra is shown to be particularly sensitive to PINK-1 mutations.

Placebo: A simulated or inert form of treatment without known proven benefit on a symptom or a disease. A pill serving as a placebo is colloquially called a "sugar pill." When placebos provide benefit, it is called a placebo effect. Placebos are employed in controlled clinical trials along with the active drug being tested. The difference in responses between the two drugs is considered the true effect of the active drug. Surgical trials can also utilize a placebo arm in which sham or simulated surgery is performed in the control group. The mechanism of how placebos provide benefit may be associated with release of dopamine in the brain.

Positron emission tomography (PET): A medical imaging technique in which radioactive isotopes that emit gamma rays are used. The radioactive substance is incorporated into a chemically active compound (a radiotracer, which could be a substrate for an enzyme or a ligand that binds to neurotransmitter receptors) utilized by an organ in the body. The emitted gamma rays are detected by a special camera/scanner. These radioactive strikes on the camera are analyzed by a computer to produce an image to localize where that ligand is located in the organ being studied. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) measures regional metabolism of glucose (sugar); fluorodopa (F-DOPA) is taken up in dopamine nerve terminals. The amount of uptake serves as a measure of the integrity of these nerve terminals. Other radiotracers may bind to neurotransmitter receptors (including those for dopamine) or to inflammatory cells etc.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A rare degenerative brain disorder that causes serious and progressive problems with control of gait and balance, along with complex eye movement and thinking problems. A classic manifestation of the disease is the inability to move the eyes properly. PSP is one of the Parkinson-plus syndromes.

PwP: Person with Parkinson's.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically-reactive molecules containing oxygen that may trigger cell death. These are also called oxyradicals. These molecules are a cause of oxidative stress that may play a role in the pathogenesis of cell death of dopamine neurons. Oxyradicals are formed during regular cellular and mitochondrial metabolism. Defense mechanisms include naturally occurring reducing agents to neutralize the oxyradicals.

Receptor: A protein structure typically embedded in the cell membrane with which neurotransmitters and drugs interact.

REM (rapid eye movement) sleep behavior disorder (RBD): A sleep disorder that involves movement and abnormal behavior during the sleep phase with rapid eye movements - the stage of sleep in which dreaming occurs. In normal sleep, muscles are paralyzed during dreaming, except for the eye movements. In RBD, muscles are not paralyzed so that the dreamer acts out his or her dreams. RBD is common in people with Parkinson's disease or MSA.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS): A neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs, like the feeling of ants crawling underneath the skin. These sensations usually occur in the late evening and during sleep. Walking around relieves the sensation, hence the term "restless legs." RLS interferes with sleep and is common in people with PD. Medications, such as dopamine agonists, levodopa and opioids, can be effective treatments.

Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale: An estimation of the abilities of a person's degree of independence. The person (or a family member) can self-assess this as:

• 100% - Completely independent. Able to do all chores without slowness, difficulty or impairment.
• 90% - Completely independent. Able to do all chores with some slowness, difficulty or impairment. May take twice as long to complete.
• 80% - Independent in most chores. Takes twice as long. Conscious of difficulty and slowing.
• 70% - Not completely independent. More difficulty with chores. 3 to 4 times longer to complete chores for some. May take large part of day for chores.
• 60% - Some dependency. Can do most chores, but very slowly and with much effort. Errors, some impossible.
• 50% - More dependent. Help with 1/2 of chores. Difficulty with everything.
• 40% - Very dependent. Can assist with all chores but few alone.
• 30% - With effort, now and then does a few chores alone or begins alone. Much help needed.
• 20% - Nothing alone. Can do some slight help with some chores. Severe invalid state
• 10% - Totally dependent, helpless.
• 0% - Vegetative functions such as swallowing, bladder/bowel function are not functioning. Bedridden.
  
  

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. It also has some cognitive functions, including memory and learning. The serotonin-containing neurons are in the brain stem. Serotonin is reduced in PD.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): A nuclear medicine tomographic imaging technique using gamma rays and able to provide 3D information, for instance on brain chemistry.

Sleep apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing during sleep.

Sodium channel: Voltage gated channels in nerve cell membranes that allow the generation of action potentials. Sodium ions are important in generating the electrical impulses that travel down the dendrites and axons. After sodium enters the cell during this process, it needs to be pumped back out, via the so-called sodium-pump, a process that requires the utilization of cellular energy. Sodium channels may be a target for new drugs in Parkinson's.

Stem cells: Biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells. They are a potential line of treatment in Parkinson’s, either by directly replacing the old nigrostriatal neuronal cells or by creating growth factor releasing cells. Problems have arisen due to the inability to stop growth, which may cause tumor growth.

Striatum: A large cluster of nerve cells that are part of the basal ganglia. The striatum consists of two sectors: the caudate nucleus and the putamen. It controls movement, balance, and walking; the striatum receives nerve inputs from many parts of the brain including dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra and glutamate neurons from the cerebral cortex. Acetylcholine neurons are located within the striatum. The striatum contains the largest concentration of dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain.

Substantia nigra: (Latin for black substance). A brain structure located in the midbrain that plays an important role in reward, addiction, and movement. Parts of the substantia nigra appear darker than neighboring areas due to high levels of neuromelanin in dopaminergic neurons. The substantia nigra is the site of the brain's major collection of dopamine neurons, which project their axons to the striatum, the so-called nigrostriatal pathway. These neurons slowly die in PD. The substantia nigra is part of the basal ganglia; the other parts of the basal ganglia include the striatum (caudate nucleus, putamen, and nucleus accumbens), globus pallidus, and subthalamic nucleus. The substantia nigra is made up of two parts: the pars compacta and the pars reticulata.

• Pars compacta: The part of the substantia nigra primarily involved in Parkinson’s. It contains dopamine neurons, and it is black due to the high concentration of neuromelanin within these neurons. (Parkinson's disease is characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.)
• Pars reticulata: Part of the substantia nigra that serves both as the location of dendrites from the pars compacta, receiving nerve signals to the substantia nigra and also as an output, conveying signals to numerous other brain structures. These output neurons are mainly GABAergic neurons.

Subthalamic nucleus (STN): A small lens-shaped nucleus involved in movement control. As suggested by its name, the subthalamic nucleus is located below the thalamus. It is part of the basal ganglia. It receives input from the cerebral cortex and from the globus pallidus interna. It sends its output mainly to the globus pallidus externa and interna. It is a component of the "indirect pathway" within the basal ganglia. It is "overactive" in PD due to loss of inhibitory incoming fibers. It is a common target in deep brain stimulation for PD.

Shuffling gait: Refers to short, slow steps, with feet close to the ground or dragging along the ground. This gait is often seen in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Synapse: The narrow space between two neurons (axon to dendrite) or between a neuron and a muscle. Axons release neurotransmitters at the nerve terminal. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse to activate or a receptor on the dendrite.

Synaptic plasticity: The ability of synaptic activity to modify and adapt to changes.

Syndrome: A group of symptoms that tend to occur together and which reflect the presence of a specific disorders or diseases. Parkinson syndrome, also called Parkinsonism, comprise a group of disorders with symptoms and signs in common, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, loss of postural reflexes, flexed posture and freezing of gait. A person with Parkinsonism does not need to have all of these but must have bradykinesia according to one diagnostic criterion. Disorders that fall within Parkinson syndrome include Parkinson's disease, atypical Parkinsonism, drug-induced Parkinsonism, and normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Tau proteins: Proteins that stabilize microtubules. They are abundant in neurons in the central nervous system and are less common elsewhere. When tau proteins are defective, and no longer stabilize microtubules properly, they can result in dementia (including Alzheimer's disease).

Tauopathies: A class of neurodegenerative diseases resulting from the pathological aggregation of tau protein in so-called neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the human brain. Besides Alzheimer's, this is commonly seen in Pick's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

Thalamus: A midline paired symmetrical structure situated between the cerebral cortex and brain stem, both in terms of location and neurological connections. It relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex and motor signals from the cortex to the spinal cord and brain stem.

T.R.A.P.: Acronym for four primary Parkinson's disease symptoms:

• Tremor: Shaking of limb (usually hands) while they are at rest.
• Rigidity: Muscle stiffness and resistance to movement.
• Akinesia/bradykinesia: Slow movement or difficulty initiating voluntary body movements; Slowed ability to start and continue movements.
• Postural instability: Loss of postural stability can cause falls and produce a feeling of unsteadiness.

Transcription factors: Proteins in eukaryotes (cells which contain complex membrane-bound structures within the cell) that regulate the transcription of genes.

Translation: A step in protein biosynthesis wherein the genetic code transferred from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded to allow the formation of a protein molecule. The process is preceded by transcription.

Tyramine-induced hypertension: High blood pressure caused by an increase in tyramine in the blood, which forces noradrenaline/norepinephrine out of vesicles and into circulation. This is the so-called "cheese effect" because some fermented cheeses (and other foods) contain high concentrations of tyramine. Normally, tyramine is broken down in the gut by MAO-A. When this enzyme is inhibited, the tyramine in food is able to enter the blood stream and produce its hypertensive crisis.

Ubiquitin: A small regulatory protein that is composed of 76 amino acids. It is involved in the degradation of damaged proteins. In Parkinson’s disease, it is believed that accumulation of damaged proteins "choke" the cell leading to the eventual death of the cell.

Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS): A rating scale used to measure the severity of Parkinson's disease. The UPDRS can follow a person's worsening over time and also measure improvement with various treatments. The UPDRS is made up of the following sections:

• Part I: Evaluation of mentation, behavior, motivation and mood
• Part II: Self-evaluation of the activities of daily life (ADLs) including speech, swallowing, handwriting, dressing, hygiene, falling, salivating, turning in bed, walking, cutting food
• Part III: Clinician-scored motor evaluation
• Part IV: Measures some of the adverse effects (such as motor complications of "off" states and dyskinesias) of levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease

The UPDRS has been modified by the Movement Disorder Society to include more non-motor features of PD. This new version is called MDS-UPDRS.

Vesicle: An organelle in a cell that separates other molecules from the rest of the cell. In nerve terminals the vesicles are called synaptic vesicles. They store neurotransmitters, which are released into the synapse when the nerve fires.