Which progressive condition is caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine?

Parkinson's disease is indeed associated with a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This progressive neurological condition primarily affects movement, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems. Dopamine is crucial for transmitting signals in the brain that coordinate smooth and controlled movements. In Parkinson's disease, the cells that produce dopamine in a specific area of the brain (the substantia nigra) progressively degenerate and die, resulting in the hallmark motor symptoms of the disease.

In contrast, Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline due to the degeneration of neurons in areas of the brain responsible for memory and higher cognitive functions. Huntington's disease involves genetic mutations leading to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, affecting movement, cognitive function, and behavior. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition that affects communication between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness but does not involve dopamine deficiency. Understanding the specific role of dopamine in movement and coordination helps clarify why Parkinson's disease is the correct choice in this context.