- Basal Ganglia structures receives information from cerebral cortex, relays their output back to cortex in order to coordinate movement
- Deterioration to basal ganglia has resulted in diseases including Parkinson's and Huntington's disease
- Basal ganglia especially important in coordinating movements in relation to memories, rather than sensory stimuli
- Also useful in learning various motor-related skills

Basal Ganglia and Movement

- Caused by degradation of cells containing dopamine that project on basal ganglia cells 
- Symptoms include tremors during periods of stagnation, loss of facial muscle tone, rigid muscles, and decreased voluntary movement
- Disease usually not inherited, but there are some defective genes that can be inherited, including a-synuclein (protein normally found in basal ganglia cells) and parkin

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- Two of the most well known diseases associated with damage to the basal ganglia include Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease 

Basal Ganglia and Motor Impairments 

Most commonly used in Brazil, guarana seeds are prepared into a paste that is used to make supplements and caffeinated beverages. The substance has shown nootropic and anxiolytic effects in mouse studies, indicating promise as a treatment for cognitive deterioration in cases of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc. However, it may not be safe to consume for individuals with certain medical conditions or who take medications like theophylline.

 Guarana (Paullinia cupana)

Schisandra's seeds and fruits are prepared in a variety of ways, often consumed as a drink for its stimulant effects. One component of the plant, schisantherin A, has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in mouse studies and may be promising in treating symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Though generally well-tolerated, overconsumption may lead to insomnia. 

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Parkinson's Disease

- Caused by twitching of hands/ face, involuntary movement of entire body (including "jerking" of body), and behavioral issues (depression, decreased intellectual capabilities)
- Caused by continual degradation of basal ganglia (neural) cells, and its associated structures (including caudate nucleus and putamen)
- Disease is inherited by family members, caused by mutation on a gene on chromosome 4 
- This is a dominant mutation, meaning only 1 mutated gene is required

Huntington's Disease

- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive chronic disease. It's "a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior"; over time, these symptoms progressively interfere with daily tasks.
- It's the 6th leading cause of death. Current treatments can alleviate the symptoms but can't stop the progression of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Disease

- Brand Name(s): Elixophyllin, Elixophylline, Pukmophyllin, Quibron-T, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl
- Indication: Treatment of asthma, COPD, and bronchospasm
- Class: Bronchodilator
- Mechanism: Theophylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with bronchodilatory effects and anti-inflammatory properties. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways and lung blood vessels and diminishes the response of the lungs to allergens, histamine, and adenosine (inflammatory mediators). 
- Common AEs: dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, heart arrhythmias, chest pain 
- Drug-Drug Interactions: Moderate drug interactions with esomeprazole, albuterol, etc.
- Safety and Efficacy: Use in COVID-19 patients associated with a higher ROX or ratio of oxygen saturation score, a lower mortality rate, and lower C reactive protein values indicating less inflammation in the body. Data supports testing of the drug in clinical trials.

Theophylline 

Neurodegenerative diseases refers to neurological diseases caused by neuronal death or deterioration due to many factors, including protein aggregation/misfolding, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. 

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Insomnia is a common health concern that causes significant distress and disruption in daily life, due to difficulty with and lack of sleep. Insomnia tends to be associated with an increased risk of developing physical health problems, anxiety, and depression.

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