Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

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Test your cognitive skills with the Cognitive Reflection Test. Practice with challenging questions that test reflex and intuition. Improve your decision-making abilities and get ready for the CRT!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the mechanism of action for levodopa therapy in patients with Parkinson disease?

Increases serotonin levels in the brain
Blocks dopamine receptors
Restores dopamine levels in the brain
Inhibits acetylcholine activity

The correct answer is: Restores dopamine levels in the brain

Levodopa therapy is designed to address the deficiency of dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter that is significantly reduced in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The mechanism of action for levodopa involves its conversion to dopamine in the brain. When administered, levodopa crosses the blood-brain barrier and is subsequently converted into dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. By restoring dopamine levels, levodopa effectively alleviates the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. This is fundamental to the treatment of Parkinson's, as the disease is characterized by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The restoration of dopamine through levodopa helps improve the patient's motor control and overall quality of life, making it a cornerstone of Parkinson's disease management. In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary therapeutic goals of levodopa or its physiological effects.