MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences : Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Parkinson's Disease And Alzheimer's Disease
Which of the following is most closely linked to Parkinson's Disease?
Reduced presence of beta-amyloid proteins
Deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region
Progressive memory loss
Deterioration of cholinergic neurons in the substantia nigra region
All of these are characteristic of Parkinson's Disease
Deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region
Parkinson's is a degenerative neuromuscular disease, often associated with muscular tremors and shaking. In later stages, the neurological symptoms become more evident. While the exact cause of Parkinson's Disease is unknown (it is still considered idiopathic), there are correlations that suggest the cause is linked to the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the midbrain. Beta-amyloid protein plaques are also associated with Parkinson's Disease, as well as Alzheimer's Disease.
Example Question #2 : Parkinson's Disease And Alzheimer's Disease
Treatment for Alzheimer's disease involves the use of cholinergic drugs that are aimed at __________.
preventing sleep disturbances
improving muscular coordination
improving memory
curing the disease
orienting patents to reality
improving memory
Cholinergic drugs used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are used to improve memory rather than to cure the disease. These drugs can slow the decline in cognitive function. Patients in the early stages of the disease can benefit from reality orientation, which involves the repetition of verbal and nonverbal information to remind the person of names, dates, and other pertinent information. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative cognitive disorder. Although motor capabilities are assessed, the disease primarily involves loss of cognition, not motor function. If a patient is experiencing sleep disturbances, sleeping during daytime hours is discouraged.
Example Question #1 : Parkinson's Disease And Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of which system?
Vascular system
Antibacterial system
Nervous system
Pulmonary system
Digestive system
Nervous system
The correct asnwer is the nervous system; this is what causes the tremors commonly associated with Parkinson's disease.
Example Question #3 : Biology And Treatment Of Specific Disorders
Which of the following proteins become "tangled" in Alzheimer's disease patients?
C-reactive proteins
Prion proteins (PrP)
Tau proteins
Lewy bodies
Tau proteins
"Tau proteins," proteins that aid in the cellular transport system of neurons, often become tangled in the brains of Alzheimer's disease, resulting in loss of cellular nutrient and waste transport and eventual cell death.
The other choices are incorrect. "Prion proteins" are found in various prion diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy. "Lewy bodies" are symptomatic of Parkinson's disease, while "C-reactive proteins" are elevated in any condition associated with inflammation.
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