Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
03:20
Measuring Constipation in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: September 22, 2023
Functional (psychogenic) symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Isabel Pareés1, Tabish A Saifee, Maja Kojovic
1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Parkinson's disease patients show more functional neurological symptoms than others with neurodegenerative conditions. This study explores the link between Parkinson's pathophysiology and this increased propensity for somatisation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequently associated with a higher prevalence of somatisation, also known as functional neurological symptoms (FNS), compared to other neurodegenerative disorders.
- The reasons behind this observed phenomenon are not fully understood, prompting further investigation into potential underlying mechanisms.
Observation:
- Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibit a notable increase in functional neurological symptoms.
- This observation is significant when compared to the rates seen in patients with other neurodegenerative conditions.
Findings:
- This paper discusses the clinical importance of somatisation in Parkinson's disease.
- Illustrative cases are presented to highlight the phenomenon.
- A potential link is proposed between the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and the propensity to develop functional symptoms.
Implications:
- Understanding this link may improve diagnostic accuracy for patients with overlapping symptoms.
- This research could inform the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for functional neurological symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
- Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of somatisation in PD is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:24Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...
01:30Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...