Changes to Neurotransmitter Function

Question 1

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

A progressive neurological condition that affects the body’s control of movement along with some cognitive functions.

Question 2

Symptoms of Parkinson’s

Answer 2

• slow movement
• rigidity
• involuntary movement of limbs and head
• reduced facial expressions
• difficulty sleeping
• depression

Question 3

Causes of Parkinson’s

Answer 3

A drop in dopamine production due to the degeneration of the substantia nigra. Also linked to genetics, diet and environmental factors.

Question 4

Treatments of Parkinson’s

Answer 4

Drugs that are precursors of dopamine, or that prevent dopamine from being broken down in the brain. E.g. L dopa.

Question 5

What does L Dopa do?

Answer 5

Replaces dopamine in the brain by being absorbed by the brain nerve cells and converted into dopamine.

Question 6

Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 6

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by cell loss in the cortex of the brain. Usually occurring in old age.

Question 7

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Answer 7

• recent declarative memories
• gradual, severe memory loss
• confusion
• impaired reasoning
• disordered thinking
• depression

Question 8

Causes of Alzheimer’s

Answer 8

Very poorly understood, however is both genetic and neurological. Occurs because of low levels of acetylcholine and is associated with usual protein deposits and amyloid plaques in the brain.

Question 9

Treatments of Alzheimer’s

Answer 9

Medications designed to replace depleted levels of acetylcholine or prevent from being broken down. E.g. Cholinesterase inhibitors.

Question 10

What does Cholinesterase Inhibitors do?

Answer 10

• prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which increases the amount of the chemical available to nerve cells.