Final answer:
A nurse should associate a decrease in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with Alzheimer's disease, as studies have indicated that Alzheimer's patients have lower GABA levels, affecting cognitive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should associate a decrease in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with Alzheimer's disease (A). Studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer's disease display lower levels of GABA in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, contributing to cognitive impairment and an altered excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain. Although the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is typically associated with glutamate release, it has been observed that GABAergic transmission disruption also plays a significant role in this condition.