A nursing instructor is preparing a presentation on the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). When discussing the role of neurotransmitters in the course of the disease, which neurotransmitter would the instructor most likely emphasize?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is a major neurotransmitter involved with AD. Cell loss in the nucleus basalis leads to deficits in the synthesis of cortical acetylcholine (ACh), but the number of ACh receptors is relatively unchanged. The reduced ACh is related to a decrease in choline acetyltransferase (a critical enzyme in the synthesis of ACh), especially in the forebrain. That is, there are fewer enzymes available to synthesize ACh, which leads to a reduction in cholinergic activity. Other neurotransmitters that are affected include norepinephrine and serotonin. Deficiencies in norepinephrine are associated with a loss of cells in the locus ceruleus, and neuronal loss in the raphe nuclei leads to a loss of serotonergic activity. Dopamine is not involved with AD.

A Nursing Instructor Is Preparing a Presentation on the Etiology