What is the degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremors and rigidity?

What is the degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremors and rigidity?

• A. Parkinson's
• B. Huntington's disease
• C. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
• D. Ataxia

Answer: (A)

The correct answer identifies Parkinson's disease, which is a well-known degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. This condition is primarily characterized by symptoms such as tremors (shaking) and rigidity (muscle stiffness). Over time, these symptoms can also lead to difficulties with movement, balance, and coordination. Parkinson's disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific part of the brain, leading to the classic motor symptoms associated with the condition. Understanding this disorder is essential for music therapists, as both the physical limitations and the emotional impact on individuals with Parkinson's can influence therapeutic approaches. In contrast, Huntington's disease involves genetic factors and manifests with chorea (involuntary movements), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms, which differ from the primary characteristics of tremors and rigidity. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with prion protein misfolding and typically presents with severe neurological decline, but it is not primarily recognized for tremors. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle control leading to uncoordinated movements, which, while affecting movement, does not specifically present with tremors and rigidity as primary symptoms like Parkinson's disease does.

The correct answer identifies Parkinson's disease, which is a well-known degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. This condition is primarily characterized by symptoms such as tremors (shaking) and rigidity (muscle stiffness). Over time, these symptoms can also lead to difficulties with movement, balance, and coordination.

Parkinson's disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific part of the brain, leading to the classic motor symptoms associated with the condition. Understanding this disorder is essential for music therapists, as both the physical limitations and the emotional impact on individuals with Parkinson's can influence therapeutic approaches.

In contrast, Huntington's disease involves genetic factors and manifests with chorea (involuntary movements), cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms, which differ from the primary characteristics of tremors and rigidity. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with prion protein misfolding and typically presents with severe neurological decline, but it is not primarily recognized for tremors. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle control leading to uncoordinated movements, which, while affecting movement, does not specifically present with tremors and rigidity as primary symptoms like Parkinson's disease does.