Which neurotransmitter's production is affected in Alzheimer's Disease?

Which neurotransmitter's production is affected in Alzheimer's Disease?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Serotonin
• C. Acetylcholine
• D. Norepinephrine

Answer: (C)

The correct answer, acetylcholine, is significant in the context of Alzheimer's Disease because this condition is associated with a notable reduction in the production of this neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is crucial for memory and learning, and it is the primary neurotransmitter affected in individuals with Alzheimer's. Research indicates that individuals with this disease experience a decline in cholinergic neurons, which are responsible for producing acetylcholine in the brain. This decrease in acetylcholine contributes to the cognitive deficits observed in Alzheimer's patients, such as memory loss and difficulties with learning new information. In contrast, while neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine play important roles in various neurological and psychological functions, they are not primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease. For instance, dopamine is more closely linked with movement and reward pathways and is famously affected in conditions like Parkinson's Disease. Serotonin is mainly associated with mood regulation and emotional well-being, and norepinephrine is involved with alertness and response to stress, making them less relevant to the cognitive decline typical of Alzheimer's. Thus, acetylcholine stands out in this context as the neurotransmitter most directly impacted by the disease's mechanisms.

The correct answer, acetylcholine, is significant in the context of Alzheimer's Disease because this condition is associated with a notable reduction in the production of this neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is crucial for memory and learning, and it is the primary neurotransmitter affected in individuals with Alzheimer's. Research indicates that individuals with this disease experience a decline in cholinergic neurons, which are responsible for producing acetylcholine in the brain. This decrease in acetylcholine contributes to the cognitive deficits observed in Alzheimer's patients, such as memory loss and difficulties with learning new information.

In contrast, while neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine play important roles in various neurological and psychological functions, they are not primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease. For instance, dopamine is more closely linked with movement and reward pathways and is famously affected in conditions like Parkinson's Disease. Serotonin is mainly associated with mood regulation and emotional well-being, and norepinephrine is involved with alertness and response to stress, making them less relevant to the cognitive decline typical of Alzheimer's. Thus, acetylcholine stands out in this context as the neurotransmitter most directly impacted by the disease's mechanisms.