Asked by Audrey Durst on Jul 21, 2024

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You are very upset to learn that your grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She has been given a prescription for medication that will help to boost production of the neurotransmitter __________ in her brain, in the hopes that this will help prevent any further memory loss.

A) serotonin
B) phenylalanine
C) acetylcholine
D) glutamate

Alzheimer's Disease

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and ultimately, loss of ability to perform everyday activities.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems that plays a role in muscle contraction and various cognitive functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical substances used by neurons to transmit signals across synapses to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

  • Acquire knowledge about the function and longevity of various memory forms, including iconic, short-term, and long-term.
  • Understand the concepts and applications of memory models (information-processing model, Atkinson and Shiffrin model).
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OB
Oshaine BantonJul 26, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
The neurotransmitter that is specifically associated with memory function in the brain is acetylcholine. Drugs that increase acetylcholine levels in the brain are used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Medications that block acetylcholine have the opposite effect, resulting in memory impairment. Therefore, the medication prescribed for the grandmother is likely a cholinesterase inhibitor, which helps to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain.