What is the 'wearing off phenomenon' in the context of Parkinson's disease?
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temporary loss of motor function that occurs after taking a dose of medication
leads to unpredictable movements and tremors
11
What are Lewy bodies and where are they found in the brain?
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Lewy bodies are accumulations of misfolded proteins found in neurons.
12
What are the risk factors for Lewy Body Dementia?
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Gender, age, and genetic disposition.
13
What are beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the context of Alzheimer's disease?
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deposits of a protein that accumulate in the brain
while neurofibrillary tangles are twisted fibers of the tau protein that form inside neurons
14
List the stages of Alzheimer's disease and their corresponding symptoms.
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Preclinical: No outward symptoms
Mild/Early: Cognitive impairment, memory loss
Moderate/Middle: Patients get lost, difficulty with communication, behavioral changes
Severe/Late: Need assistance with daily activities, difficulty walking and recognizing friends and family, behavioral changes; aggressive behavior
15
What are the key dental considerations for patients with dementia?
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Xerostomia, positive and supportive communication, 3-month recalls, avoid complex dental treatment, removal prosthesis may need to be taken away to prevent injury, referral to a dental specialist
16
What is the first step in assessing mental capacity in dementia?
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Determine if the patient is qualified to make rational decisions.
17
What is the Power of Attorney in the context of patient consent?
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A legally valid Power of Attorney or Court Appointed Deputy.
18
What is epilepsy?
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A group of disorders characterized by changes in neurologic function, altered consciousness, or involuntary movements.
19
What are some common triggers for epilepsy?
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Anxiety, fear, anger, bright lights, alcohol and drug abuse, dehydration and starvation, changes in the type or dosage of antiseizure medications.
20
What are the oral findings associated with epilepsy?
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Seizure-induced injury to the hard and soft tissues
including TMJ dislocation, tooth displacement, soft tissue ulceration, and fracturing of teeth and/or dental restorations.
21
What medications can cause changes to the soft tissues in patients with epilepsy?
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Dilantin (Phenytoin) and Valproic acid.
22
What is epilepsy?
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A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
23
What is Phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement?
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A dental condition caused by the use of phenytoin, a medication used to treat epilepsy.
24
What is the most common autoimmune disease involving the nervous system?
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
25
What are the two main symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
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Demyelination of the corticospinal tract neurons and muscle atrophy
26
In which age group does Multiple Sclerosis typically occur?
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Young adults
27
What are some dental considerations for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
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• Abnormal facial pain
• ability to maintain oral health
• dental treatment during phases of remission
• short morning appointments
• wheelchair accommodations
• adverse reactions associated with drug
28
What are the adverse reactions associated with drug therapy for MS patients?
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Dry/burning mouth and susceptibility to infection.
29
What are the main symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
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Fatigue, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, and balance issues.
30
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as?
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Lou-Gehrig’s disease
31
What are the key areas where motor neurons are lost in ALS?
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Cerebral cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord
32
What is the typical age range when ALS typically occurs?
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50-70 years of age
33
What is the average life span after diagnosis for ALS patients?
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2.5-3 years
34
What are the symptoms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
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• Hyperactive reflexes
• loss of complex reflexes and dexterity
• chronic drooling
• issues with speech and swallowing
• decrease in tongue size
35
What is the contraindicated use of sedative drugs in the management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
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Use of sedative drugs is contraindicated.
36
What position should the patient be in for treatment of ALS?
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The patient should be in the upright position.
37
What is the difference between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
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MS: autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder; affects the brain and spinal cord by disrupting the myelin sheath
ALS: progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects neurons in brain and spinal cord
38
What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?
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A common congenital disability associated with damage to the brain.
39
What are the clinical manifestations of Cerebral Palsy?
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Poor motor control, abnormal gait, loss of ability to walk, difficulty with speech, swallowing, and excessive drooling.