AEMCA Practice Exam

What is Parkinson's disease?

1. A psychiatric disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts

2. A motor disease caused by decreasing levels of dopamine

3. A genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination

4. A form of dementia affecting memory and cognition

The correct answer is: A motor disease caused by decreasing levels of dopamine

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. This decrease in dopamine levels leads to a range of motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. The identification of Parkinson's disease is closely associated with these motor symptoms, which arise as the condition progresses and the brain's ability to regulate movement diminishes due to the loss of dopamine. The focus on decreasing levels of dopamine is essential because it underpins the fundamental mechanisms of the disease's pathology. Since dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that facilitates smooth and coordinated muscle movements, its deficiency directly correlates with the primary symptoms experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease. The other available choices do not accurately describe Parkinson's disease: it is not merely a psychiatric disorder, nor is it a genetic disorder in the traditional sense (though genetics can play a role). Additionally, while cognitive changes can occur as the disease advances, it is distinct from the primary forms of dementia, which primarily target memory and cognitive functions.