Which movement disorder is commonly treated with dopaminergic therapy (e.g., L-DOPA)?

Which movement disorder is commonly treated with dopaminergic therapy (e.g., L-DOPA)?

• A. Parkinson Disease
• B. Epilepsy
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Dementia

Answer: (A)

Dopaminergic therapy targets a deficiency of dopamine in the brain, which is the core problem in Parkinson disease. In Parkinson’s, loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra reduces dopamine signaling in the basal ganglia, leading to the hallmark motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness, stiffness, and impaired balance. L-DOPA, a precursor that crosses into the brain and is turned into dopamine, replenishes this deficit and improves motor function.

Epilepsy is about preventing abnormal electrical activity and is treated with antiepileptic drugs. Glaucoma involves eye pressure and is managed by reducing intraocular pressure. Dementia is a cognitive decline condition with various etiologies and is treated with strategies targeting memory and cognition rather than dopamine replacement.