Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and Brain Activity

Acelycholine Dementia (Alzheimer s disease, Parkinson s disease) 

Greater understanding of the use of these neurochemicals and the newer medications that enhance this response is helping to maximize what we know about the brain, thereby enabling the restoration of normal brain chemistry. When a neurotransmitter s level is too high or too low (by as little as 5 or 10%), it can affect the way other neurotransmitters work (Kotulak, 1997) and can trigger a major chemical chain reaction that affects or contributes to a range of mental health behaviors. 

The neurotransmitters that are involved in mental health responses and behavior are less common and are found in approximately 2% of the synapses of the brain (Kotulak, 1997). The most common are norepinephrine, serotonin, and, dopamine. 

Social workers who deal with older people who suffer from brain deterioration are often frustrated by their inability to help their clients. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are worsened when the client s family and friends believe that little can be done to help the loved one recover, especially when brain damage and deterioration is suspected. The hopelessness that accompanies these types of illnesses has been a disincentive for many social workers entering the field. All that may be about to change. 

One of the biggest problems with the neuron is that this highly specialized cell does not replace itself, which has obvious clinical implications when dealing with a damaged central nervous system (Coyle Enna, 

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