Cause of parkinson's disease is?

NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2019

Mental Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain (SRC_15994).
This loss of neurons leads to a significant reduction of dopamine in the striatum, a key component of the basal ganglia responsible for motor control (SRC_15995).
The dopamine deficit disrupts the balance with acetylcholine, leading to an overabundance of excitatory signals and causing the classic motor symptoms: tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) (SRC_15996).
The severity of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease is directly proportional to the degree of dopamine deficiency (SRC_15994).

Option B: Depletion in serotonin is primarily associated with mood disorders like depression, not the primary motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Option C: Oxytocin is a hormone related to social bonding, uterine contractions, and lactation; it has no established primary role in the motor control pathways affected by Parkinson's disease.
Option D: GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, but its depletion is not the primary cause of Parkinson's. The pathways using GABA are affected secondary to the loss of dopamine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of Parkinson's Disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding that Parkinson's is a dopamine-deficiency disorder is fundamental to nursing care, as the primary treatment involves dopamine replacement therapy (e.g., Levodopa) (SRC_15995).
Nurses must monitor for the effectiveness of dopaminergic medications and watch for side effects like dyskinesias (involuntary movements), which occur when dopamine levels become too high.
Patient education is critical. Nurses must teach patients and families that while medication can manage symptoms, it does not cure the disease or stop its progression (SRC_15996).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease.
Recall the key neurotransmitters involved in brain function and movement disorders.
Focus on the pathophysiology of Parkinson's. Remember that it is a classic example of a disorder caused by a specific neurotransmitter deficiency.
Evaluate each option. Dopamine is famously linked to Parkinson's. Consider the primary roles of serotonin (mood), oxytocin (social/hormonal), and GABA (general inhibition) to rule them out as the primary cause of this specific motor disease.
The image provided strongly supports the correct answer by visually demonstrating the loss of dopamine-producing cells.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1280-1282

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 771-773

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 252-254