Question | Answer |
What is the etiology of Alzheimer's Disease? | ACh is down (90% by the time symptoms occur)
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Neuritic Plaques |
what is an early symptom of Alzheimer's DIsease? | Impaired Judgement |
What is the action of Cholinesterase inhibitors? | These AD drugs inhibit the breakdown of ACh which leads to increased levels of ACh |
name 4 Cholinesterase inhibitors | Tacrine
DOnepezil
galantamine
rivastigmine |
which of the cholinesterase inhibitors are very risky to the liver? | Tacrine |
What tests monitor liver function? | AST
ALT
Albumin
Partial protein
Total protein |
What are the adverse effects of Cholinesterase inhibitors? | n/v/d
dyspepsia
dizziness
headache
bronchoconstriction |
who should be cautioned when using cholinesterase inhibitors? | people with Asthma/COPD because an adverse effect can be bronchoconstriction |
what is dyspepsia? | metallic taste in mouth |
What type of drug is Tacrine? | Cholinesterase inhibitor |
what is the mechanism of action for Tacrine? | reversable inhibition of the enzyme that breaks down ACh |
what route is tacrine admninistered? | orally |
what is a downfall of tacrine? | it must be administered q6h which is difficult for people to comply to, especially patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease |
What is Donepezil? | A Cholinesterase inhibitor |
what is the advantage of Donepezil? | it has a longer half life (doesn't have to be administered as often)
No risk to liver |
what is the mechanism of action of donepezil? | same as tacrine
reversable inhibition of the enzyme that breaks down ACh |
what is the major side effects of donepezil? | n/v/d |
What is memantine? | an NMDA receptor antagonist |
what is the mechanism of action of memantine? | prevents excess calcium influx.
calcium in high amounts intracellularly can impair memory and learning |
metabolism and excretion of memantine: | not metabolized
excreted in urine |
How does estrogen help in AD? | it doesn't |
what are the effects of NSAIDS on AD? | decreases incidence by 80% |
Fact: Gingko Bilopa helps AD | true |