Question

An elderly man presents with rigidity and tremors. On examination, he has blank facial expressions. Which of the following drugs can be used to manage this condition?

• A. Clozapine
• B. Donepezil
• C. Selegiline
• D. Haloperidol

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

An elderly man with symptoms of rigidity, tremors, and blank facial expressions may be indicative of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Appropriate management involves using medications that either increase dopamine levels or mimic its action.

Among the given options:

Drug	Mechanism of Action
Clozapine	Antipsychotic, used primarily for schizophrenia. Does not increase dopamine.
Donepezil	Cholinesterase inhibitor, used for Alzheimer's disease. Does not affect dopamine levels.
Selegiline	MAO-B inhibitor, increases dopamine by preventing its breakdown. Used in Parkinson's disease.
Haloperidol	Antipsychotic, dopamine antagonist. Not suitable for Parkinson's as it decreases dopamine.

Selegiline is the appropriate choice as it is a selective MAO-B inhibitor, which helps in increasing the levels of dopamine by inhibiting its breakdown in the brain, thereby alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.