Endocrine System Questions Related

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A 78-year-old male with Parkinson’s disease experiences worsening of his symptoms. He is already taking levodopa. Since the disease is characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to the lack of inhibition of cholinergic neurons, the addition of which medication is likely to help alleviate the patient’s symptoms?

  • A. Benztropine
  • B. Reserpine
  • C. Doxazosin
  • D. Timolol
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Benztropine. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that helps alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms by blocking the excess activity of acetylcholine, which is increased due to the lack of dopaminergic inhibition. This leads to a rebalancing of neurotransmitters in the brain, improving motor symptoms.
Choice B: Reserpine depletes neurotransmitters including dopamine, worsening Parkinson's symptoms.
Choice C: Doxazosin is an alpha-blocker used for hypertension, not Parkinson's disease.
Choice D: Timolol is a beta-blocker used for glaucoma, not Parkinson's disease.