Final answer:
An appropriate first-line therapeutic option for newly diagnosed early-stage Parkinson's disease is Ropinirole (Requip®), as it acts as a dopamine agonist to alleviate symptoms associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate first-line therapeutic option for a 67-year-old man who is newly-diagnosed with early stage Parkinson's disease is c) Ropinirole (Requip®). Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Treatment primarily focuses on symptom management, often through medication that aims to increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects.
While L-DOPA is a commonly prescribed drug for Parkinson's disease, which serves as a precursor to dopamine, other medications such as dopamine agonists (e.g., Ropinirole) can be used, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Ropinirole works by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s. It can also have advantages in early-stage treatment due to a potentially lower risk of long-term complications associated with L-DOPA therapy, such as dyskinesia.