NANP Board Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with detailed questions and explanations on key topics. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for the exam.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is commonly elevated in the urine of patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease?

Cysteine
Glucose
Protein
Sulfate

The correct answer is: Cysteine

In the context of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, the presence of elevated levels of cysteine in urine is significant. Cysteine is an amino acid that has been studied for its role in the body's antioxidant defense system and its potential involvement in neurodegenerative processes. Research suggests that alterations in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids, including cysteine, may be associated with the pathophysiology of these neurodegenerative conditions. In comparison, while glucose might be elevated in certain metabolic conditions, it is not characteristically associated with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. Protein levels in urine can indicate various health issues, but they aren't specific markers for these diseases. Sulfate levels are more related to sulfur metabolism but do not have the same recognized association with these neurodegenerative disorders as cysteine does. Thus, the correct answer is grounded in the biological significance of cysteine in relation to these specific diseases.