Parkinson's disease shows which pattern of neurotransmitter change?

Parkinson's disease shows which pattern of neurotransmitter change?

• A. Increased Acetylcholine and Decreased Dopamine
• B. Increased Dopamine and Decreased Acetylcholine
• C. Increased Norepinephrine and Serotonin
• D. Decreased GABA and Increased Glutamate

Answer: (A)

Parkinson's disease is defined by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, so dopamine in the striatum is decreased. Dopamine normally dampens acetylcholine activity in the basal ganglia; with less dopamine, acetylcholine activity becomes relatively increased. This imbalance—low dopamine with relatively high acetylcholine—drives the motor symptoms and explains why anticholinergic meds can help tremor and rigidity. While other neurotransmitters are involved in broader brain changes, the hallmark pattern is decreased dopamine with increased acetylcholine activity.

Parkinson's disease is defined by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, so dopamine in the striatum is decreased. Dopamine normally dampens acetylcholine activity in the basal ganglia; with less dopamine, acetylcholine activity becomes relatively increased. This imbalance—low dopamine with relatively high acetylcholine—drives the motor symptoms and explains why anticholinergic meds can help tremor and rigidity. While other neurotransmitters are involved in broader brain changes, the hallmark pattern is decreased dopamine with increased acetylcholine activity.