Abnormal levels of which neurotransmitter may lead to Alzheimer's disease?

• A. Serotonin
• B. Dopamine
• C. Acetylcholine
• D. Glutamate

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons. Each neurotransmitter has specific functions in regulating brain activity and behavior.
2. Step 2: Learn about acetylcholine and its importance. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and muscle activation. It plays a critical role in cognitive functions and is particularly significant in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Step 3: Explore the connection between acetylcholine and Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that individuals with Alzheimer's disease often exhibit reduced levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This deficiency is associated with the cognitive decline characteristic of the disease.
4. Step 4: Compare acetylcholine with other neurotransmitters mentioned in the problem. Serotonin and dopamine are primarily involved in mood regulation and reward pathways, while glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter important for synaptic plasticity. None of these are as directly linked to Alzheimer's disease as acetylcholine.
5. Step 5: Conclude that abnormal levels of acetylcholine are most closely associated with Alzheimer's disease, based on its role in memory and cognition and the evidence of its deficiency in affected individuals.