Brain Chemicals Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the brain chemicals associated with Parkinson’s disease and depression?
Dopamine and serotonin
Imbalances of these brain chemicals are linked to these conditions.
What is the primary treatment aim for Parkinson’s disease?
Increase the concentration of dopamine in the brain
Dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier directly.
What is L-dopa?
A molecule used to produce dopamine
It can cross into the brain and is converted into dopamine.
List the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
- Muscle tremors
- Stiffness of muscles
- Slowness of movement
- Poor balance and walking problems
- Difficulties with speech and breathing
- Depression
What causes the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
The death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain
This leads to reduced dopamine levels.
What role does dopamine play in the nervous system?
Controls movement and emotional responses
It is active in the frontal cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord.
What is serotonin linked to?
Feelings of reward and pleasure
A lack of serotonin is associated with clinical depression.
What is the effect of ecstasy (MDMA) on serotonin?
Prevents the reuptake of serotonin
This maintains a high concentration of serotonin in the synapse.
How do drugs generally affect synapses?
They interfere with the normal functioning of a synapse
This can include affecting neurotransmitter synthesis, release, or receptor interaction.
What is a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?
A type of drug that prevents the reabsorption of serotonin
Prozac is an example of an SSRI.
How do SSRIs affect serotonin levels?
They increase serotonin levels in the synapse
SSRIs bind to reuptake proteins, preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed.
What are dopamine agonists?
Molecules that mimic dopamine
They can be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease.
True or False: Dopamine can move directly from the bloodstream into the brain.
False
Dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
Fill in the blank: A lack of serotonin is linked to _______.
clinical depression
