Which disorder is characterized by muscle weakness due to an autoimmune response?

Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness resulting from an autoimmune response. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the communication between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to a reduction in the number of acetylcholine receptors, which are essential for muscle contraction. As a result, individuals with myasthenia gravis experience fluctuating muscle weakness that can worsen with activity and improve with rest.

In contrast, muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness but does not involve an autoimmune process. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects cognitive function rather than muscle strength, and Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that involves tremors and rigidity but is also not caused by autoimmune mechanisms. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the underlying causes of various neuromuscular disorders.