Pharmacology · single question
Which neurotransmitter is primarily deficient in Alzheimer's disease?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Acetylcholine
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by loss of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (nucleus basalis of Meynert) → acetylcholine deficiency. Treatment targets this with AChE inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine). Dopamine deficiency = Parkinson's. Serotonin = depression. Norepinephrine = depression/anxiety. Glutamate = ALS (excess). ACh = Alzheimer's.
- A. Serotonin deficiency is implicated in depression. SSRIs target serotonin. While depression may accompany Alzheimer's, it is not the primary neurotransmitter deficit.
- B. CORRECT. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (nucleus basalis of Meynert), leading to a deficit in acetylcholine. This is the basis for cholinesterase inhibitor therapy (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine).
- C. Dopamine deficiency is associated with Parkinson's disease. Dopamine replacement (levodopa) is the mainstay of Parkinson's therapy, not Alzheimer's.
- D. Norepinephrine deficiency contributes to some aspects of Alzheimer's pathology but is not the primary or defining deficit.