Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A nursing student asks the nurse to differentiate the pathology of Alzheimer disease from that of Parkinson disease. Which description is correct?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Answer A is correct because Parkinson's disease is characterized by a decrease in dopamine due to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. This leads to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. On the other hand, Alzheimer's disease is associated with a decrease in acetylcholine due to degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. Therefore, the imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine is a key distinction between the two diseases.
Choice B is incorrect because Parkinson's disease actually involves a decrease in dopamine production, not an increase. Choice C is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is not caused by decreased dopamine but rather decreased acetylcholine. Choice D is incorrect as Alzheimer's disease is not associated with an excess of acetylcholine but rather a decrease.
Choice B is incorrect because Parkinson's disease actually involves a decrease in dopamine production, not an increase. Choice C is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is not caused by decreased dopamine but rather decreased acetylcholine. Choice D is incorrect as Alzheimer's disease is not associated with an excess of acetylcholine but rather a decrease.