Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What disease is known for affecting muscles, leading to stiffness and a stooped posture?

1. Multiple Sclerosis

2. Parkinson's Disease

3. Muscular Dystrophy

4. Alzheimer's Disease

The correct answer is: Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which leads to a range of motor symptoms. One of the hallmark features of this condition is rigidity or stiffness in the muscles, which can contribute to a stooped posture. As the disease progresses, individuals often experience a loss of automatic movements, such as swinging their arms while walking, and may also have difficulty initiating movement. This stooping posture is commonly observed as the person tends to lean forward, which is referred to as postural instability, an essential aspect of Parkinson's Disease. The other options represent different neurological or muscular disorders with distinct symptoms that do not primarily include muscle stiffness and stooped posture in the same way. For instance, Multiple Sclerosis may cause muscle weakness and coordination issues, but it does not typically lead to the specific muscular rigidity seen in Parkinson's. Muscular Dystrophy affects muscle fibers weakening them but is not primarily associated with the rigidity or posture problems characteristic of Parkinson's. Alzheimer’s Disease primarily impacts cognitive function and memory, rather than affecting muscle stiffness or posture.