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Which neurotransmitters are reduced in Alzheimer disease?
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Alzheimer disease
Histopathologic image of neuritic plaques in the cerebral cortex in a patient with Alzheimer disease of presenile onset (onset before age 65).
In Alzheimer disease, the progressive loss of neurons leads to a significant decline in the levels of several neurotransmitters essential for communication between nerve cells.1
Specifically, research indicates that patients experience diminished levels of the following neurotransmitters:
- Acetylcholine: This neurotransmitter is particularly noted for its role in memory, and its deficiency is a hallmark feature of the disease.12
- Norepinephrine1
- Serotonin1
In addition to these, the disease is associated with reduced levels of various modulatory neuropeptide molecules that facilitate signal transmission between neurons. These chemical imbalances, alongside the development of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, contribute to the cognitive and functional decline observed in affected individuals.12