AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

THE NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The depletion of which of the following neurotransmitters is most closely associated with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
A
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
B
Acetylcholine (ACh)‘
C
Norepinephrine
D
Serotonin
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter essential for processing memory and learning, is decreased in both concentration and function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Detailed explanation-2: -Imbalances in acetylcholine are linked with chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Detailed explanation-3: -Acetylcholine and Alzheimer’s disease Experts do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease. However, they know that many people with the condition have lower levels of acetylcholine. Alzheimer’s disease damages cells that produce and use acetylcholine. Certain medications can increase levels of acetylcholine.

Detailed explanation-4: -When dopamine is sent from the VTA to the hippocampus, it allows the hippocampus to function. However, if the hippocampus-which is responsible in part for forming new memories-doesn’t receive enough dopamine, the ability to learn new information suffers. This in turn increases the risk of dementia.

Detailed explanation-5: -Brain glutamate levels are decreased in Alzheimer’s disease: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

There is 1 question to complete.