1.5.14 chemical brain imbalances

Question 1

Chemical Brain Imbalances

Answer 1

Chemical imbalances in the brain can lead to ill health, including Parkinson’s disease and depression. Understanding these imbalances can help develop new drugs.

Question 2

Parkinson’s disease

Answer 2

Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells that produce dopamine (a type of neurotransmitter) are lost.
Dopamine is important in coordinating body movement.
People with Parkinson’s disease will have symptoms such as a tremor, stiff muscles and slow movement.
Increasing dopamine levels can alleviate the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

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Question 3

depression

Answer 3

Low serotonin levels have been associated with depression.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter thought to be associated with a ‘good mood’.
Some antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin levels in the body.
Low serotonin doesn’t necessarily cause depression, but increasing levels have been shown to alleviate some symptoms of depression.