Parkinson's disease is primarily associated with the degeneration of which type of neurons?

Parkinson's disease is primarily linked to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, particularly those located in the substantia nigra, a key area of the brain involved in movement regulation. These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in coordinating smooth and controlled movements. As these neurons degenerate, the decrease in dopamine levels disrupts the normal balance of neurotransmission in the basal ganglia, leading to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

The other types of neurons mentioned, such as serotonergic, norepinephrine, and GABAergic neurons, do play important roles in various neurological functions and disorders, but they are not primarily associated with the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Serotonergic neurons are involved in mood regulation, norepinephrine neurons affect arousal and alertness, and GABAergic neurons inhibit excessive neural activity. However, it is the loss of dopaminergic neurons that drives the hallmark symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s disease.