Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

How do anticholinergic medications assist in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms?

1. They often reduce tremors and drooling

2. They increase motor coordination

3. They enhance cognitive function

4. They improve memory retention

The correct answer is: They often reduce tremors and drooling

Anticholinergic medications play a significant role in managing specific symptoms of Parkinson's disease, particularly tremors and drooling. These symptoms are associated with an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, common in patients with Parkinson's disease. By blocking the action of acetylcholine, anticholinergics help restore some of this balance, leading to a reduction in the severity of tremors, which are involuntary muscle contractions, and excessive salivation. While enhancing motor coordination, cognitive function, or memory retention may be important aspects of managing Parkinson's disease, anticholinergics do not specifically address these needs. Thus, the primary benefit of these medications focuses on the alleviation of tremors and drooling, making them a valuable component of symptomatic treatment in the context of this neurological condition.