Final answer:
Idiopathic Parkinson's disease has an unknown cause and is the most common form, while acquired Parkinson's disease is linked to identifiable factors like head trauma or toxic exposure. Both involve degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between idiopathic and acquired Parkinson's disease is primarily in the underlying causes of the disease. Idiopathic Parkinson's disease has an unknown cause, while acquired Parkinson's is linked to specific factors, such as medication or brain injury.
In general, Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a midbrain structure that regulates movement, leading to symptoms like tremor, slowed movement, muscle rigidity, and postural instability. The presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal protein clumps, correlates with the severity of the condition.
Familial Parkinson's, a subset of idiopathic Parkinson's, has been linked to an inherited genetic mutation, accounting for a small percentage of cases, whereas the majority are sporadic with no known cause. Secondary Parkinson's or acquired Parkinson's is associated with environmental factors such as repeated head trauma or exposure to certain toxins.
Therefore answer is B. Idiopathic Parkinson's has an unknown cause, while acquired Parkinson's is linked to specific factors like medication or brain injury.