Abbreviations to know…
Most Commonly Used
PWP - Person with Parkinson's (a more person-centered term)
Brain Parts
AMY - Amygdala: A small almond-shaped structure involved in processing emotions and memories.
BG - Basal Ganglia: A group of nuclei in the brain responsible for motor control and learning.
CC - Corpus Callosum: A thick bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres.
CE - Cerebellum: A region at the back of the brain responsible for coordination and balance.
CTX - Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.
GPe - Globus Pallidus externa (part of the brain's basal ganglia, involved in motor control)
GPi - Globus Pallidus interna (part of the brain's basal ganglia, involved in motor control)
HIP - Hippocampus: A seahorse-shaped structure involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.
HYPO - Hypothalamus: A region involved in regulating vital functions like body temperature and hunger.
MB - Midbrain: A part of the brainstem that plays a role in sensory and motor functions.
MED - Medulla Oblongata: The lowest part of the brainstem responsible for autonomic functions.
NACC - Nucleus Accumbens: Part of the basal ganglia involved in reward and pleasure.
OFC - Orbitofrontal Cortex: A region of the prefrontal cortex involved in decision-making and emotional processing.
PFC - Prefrontal Cortex: The front part of the brain involved in complex cognitive functions.
PONS - Pons: A part of the brainstem involved in sleep, respiration, and facial movement.
SC - Superior Colliculus: Part of the midbrain involved in visual processing and orienting.
STN - Subthalamic Nucleus (a target for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's)
TC - Thalamus: A central relay station that directs sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
Cells and Molecules:
DA - Dopamine Agonist: A class of medications that stimulate dopamine receptors in Parkinson's treatment.
DAT - Dopamine Transporter: A protein responsible for reuptake of dopamine in the brain.
GABA - Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid: An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
GDNF - Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A protein supporting survival of dopamine neurons.
GLU - Glutamate: An excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
NTF - Neurotrophic Factor: Proteins supporting neuron survival and function.
α-Syn - Alpha-Synuclein: A protein associated with Parkinson's pathology.
BDNF - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that supports neuron survival and growth.
Aβ - Beta-Amyloid: A protein fragment associated with Alzheimer's disease.
TDP-43 - Transactive Response DNA-Binding Protein 43: A protein involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
Common Treatments for Parkinson's Symptoms:
DIET - Dietary Management: A healthy diet can support overall health and well-being in Parkinson's.
DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation: A surgical treatment involving implanted electrodes to manage Parkinson's symptoms.
EX - Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain mobility and improve overall well-being.
MED - Medication: Various medications are used to manage Parkinson's symptoms.
MIND - Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (diet associated with brain health)
SURG - Surgical Treatment: Various surgical procedures can be used to manage advanced Parkinson's.
TMS - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (a non-invasive procedure for treating symptoms)
TCS - Transcranial Stimulation (a technique used in research and therapy)
VNS - Vagus Nerve Stimulation (investigated for potential Parkinson's treatment)
Diseases and Conditions:
ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A progressive motor neuron disease.
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disorder affecting social interaction and communication.
CBD - Corticobasal Degeneration: A rare neurodegenerative disorder that shares some symptoms with Parkinson's.
CTE - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A brain condition linked to repeated head injuries.
MSA - Multiple System Atrophy: A rare neurodegenerative disorder with Parkinson's-like symptoms.
PSP - Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A rare neurodegenerative disorder causing balance and eye movement problems.
RBD - REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Can be an early sign of Parkinson's.
RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome (can sometimes be associated with Parkinson's)
Fluids:
CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid: The clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
ECF - Extracellular Fluid: Fluid outside of cells, including in the brain.
ISF - Interstitial Fluid: Fluid in the spaces between cells.
LDF - Lymphatic Drainage Fluid: Fluid that helps remove waste products from the brain.
IBF - Interstitial Brain Fluid: Fluid in the extracellular spaces of the brain.
Genes and Genetics:
6-OHDA - 6-Hydroxydopamine: A neurotoxin used to induce Parkinson's-like symptoms in animal models.
AADC - Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme involved in converting L-DOPA to dopamine.
ABCA7 - ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 7: A gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease risk.
ABHD6 - Abhydrolase Domain-Containing Protein 6: An enzyme involved in endocannabinoid metabolism.
APOE - Apolipoprotein E: A gene associated with Alzheimer's disease risk.
BDNF - Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (implicated in neuroprotection for Parkinson's)
CYP2D6 - Cytochrome P450 2D6: An enzyme involved in drug metabolism.
GBA - Glucocerebrosidase: A gene related to Parkinson's risk when mutated.
GCH1 - GTP Cyclohydrolase 1: An enzyme involved in dopamine synthesis.
HNRNPA1 - Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1: A protein involved in RNA processing.
LRRK2 - Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2: A gene associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's.
PLP1 - Proteolipid Protein 1: A gene associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.
PRKN - Parkin: A gene associated with familial Parkinson's.
SNCA - Alpha-Synuclein: A protein associated with Parkinson's pathology.
TBK1 - TANK-Binding Kinase 1: A gene involved in immune responses.
TET2 - Ten-Eleven Translocation Methylcytosine Dioxygenase 2: A gene involved in DNA methylation.
TOMM40 - Translocase of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 Homolog (gene related to mitochondrial function)
TGFBR2 - Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 2: A gene involved in cellular signaling.
ZNF804A - Zinc Finger Protein 804A: A gene associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Medical Terms:
BBB - Blood-Brain Barrier: A protective barrier that limits the passage of substances from the blood to the brain.
BPI - Beck's Parkinson's Inventory (used to assess Parkinson's symptoms)
BISBAS - Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System: A psychological model related to personality traits.
CNS - Central Nervous System (includes the brain and spinal cord)
CT - Computed Tomography (used for imaging in medical diagnostics)
DATSCAN - Dopamine Transporter Scan (a nuclear medicine imaging technique)
EOPD - Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease. (diagnosed at a younger age)
fMRI - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (used to study brain activity)
Hoehn and Yahr Scale - A scale used to measure the progression of Parkinson's
HRQOL - Health-Related Quality of Life (important in managing Parkinson's impact on daily life)
MPTP - A neurotoxin that can induce Parkinson's-like symptoms in certain cases
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (used to image the brain and diagnose conditions)
OFF - Refers to periods of reduced medication effectiveness
ON - Refers to periods of improved medication effectivenes
PDQ - Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (used to assess quality of life)
PET - Positron Emission Tomography (used for brain imaging in Parkinson's research)
PPN - Pedunculopontine Nucleus (associated with gait and postural control)
REM - Rapid Eye Movement: A sleep stage characterized by vivid dreams.
SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder: A type of depression triggered by seasonal changes.
SPECT - Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (a nuclear imaging technique)
UPDRS - Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (to assess the severity of symptoms)
UPSIT - University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (used to assess olfactory function)
VNS - Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Investigated for potential Parkinson's treatment.
VTA - Ventral Tegmental Area (part of the brain related to dopamine production)
YOPD - Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (diagnosed in younger adults)
Non-Profit Organizations and Charities that work with the Parkinson’s Community
APDA - American Parkinson Disease Association
DPF - Davis Phinney Foundation
PDF - Parkinson's Disease Foundation
MJFF - Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
MPF - Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation
PAA - Parkinson’s Association of Alabama
PDNSA - Parkinson's Disease Nurse Specialist Association (U.K.)
PMD Alliance - Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
PRO - Portland Resources of Oregon
WPC - World Parkinson Congress
WPP - Women’s Parkinson’s Project
Parkinson's Medications:
ADA - Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist: Medications that target adenosine receptors to reduce motor symptoms.
CB1R - Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Agonist: Investigated for its potential effects on Parkinson's symptoms.
COMT - Catechol-O-methyltransferase Inhibitor: Medications that inhibit the enzyme COMT to enhance L-DOPA effects.
CR - Controlled Release: A variation of carbidopa-levodopa that delays the release of the therapeutic responsive.
DA - Dopamine Agonist: A class of medications that stimulate dopamine receptors in Parkinson's treatment.
L-DOPA - Levodopa: A medication converted into dopamine in the brain to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms.
MAO-B - Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitor: Medications that inhibit MAO-B to increase dopamine levels in the brain.
MAO-B - Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitor: Medications that block the enzyme MAO-B to prolong dopamine effects.
NMDA - N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonist: Medications that target NMDA receptors to reduce dyskinesias.
Professional Associations and Universities
AAN - American Academy of Neurology: An organization of neurologists providing resources for neurological research and care.
EAN - European Academy of Neurology
EMA - European Medicines Agency (regulatory body for medicines in the European Union)
FDA - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (regulates medical devices and medications)
MDS -International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
NIH - National Institutes of Health (U.S. agency for medical research)
UBC - University of British Columbia (Canada)
VAI - Van Andle Institute
Therapists and Professionals:
ABA - Applied Behavior Analyst: A professional who uses behavioral interventions to address behavior-related challenges.
CAM - Confusion Assessment Method: A tool to assess delirium in medical settings.
CAMCOG - Cambridge Cognitive Examination: A test for cognitive function.
MDS - Movement Disorder Specialist. A neurologist with additional training in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
OT - Occupational Therapy: Therapy to improve everyday activities and function.
PT - Physical Therapy: A rehabilitation approach to improve mobility and motor skills.
NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: A U.K. organization providing health guidelines.
SLP - Speech-Language Pathologist: A professional who helps with speech and communication difficulties.
ST - Speech Therapy: Therapy to address speech and swallowing difficulties