Which disease is characterized by damage to dopamine neurons?

Parkinson's Disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. This loss of neurons leads to a significant reduction in the amount of dopamine available, which is critical for regulating movement and coordination. As a result, individuals with Parkinson's Disease experience symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

In contrast, the other diseases mentioned have different underlying mechanisms and do not primarily involve damage to dopamine neurons. For instance, Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheath, leading to disrupted communication between neurons. Huntington's Disease involves the degeneration of neurons in the basal ganglia, but it is primarily caused by genetic factors leading to cell death rather than direct damage to dopamine neurons. Alzheimer's Disease primarily affects memory and cognitive function through the degeneration of neurons and the formation of plaques and tangles, not specifically through the loss of dopamine systems. Thus, the defining characteristic of Parkinson's Disease is its direct impact on dopamine neuron function.